DNC Chairman Tim Kaine said:

“This month, we as a country honor the countless contributions that African Americans have made to the fabric of American life and culture.  As we consider the many accomplishments of African Americans, we can also reflect on the progress that our country has made toward ensuring all Americans have the right and ability to fully participate in American life.  Less than 50 years ago African Americans were relegated to segregated bathrooms and water fountains.  Today, African Americans are leaders in every sector of American society, and our country is continuing the difficult work of righting past wrongs – as with the legislation passed last December that provides funding for the USDA to rectify past cases of discrimination against black farmers – and lay the foundation for a just and equal future.

“The contributions of African Americans from Fredrick Douglass, W.E.B. Dubois and Booker T. Washington to George Washington Carver, Dorothy Height, Thurgood Marshall, Sojourner Truth, Howard Thurman and Dr. King, among others, are immeasurable.  From science to academia to business and civil service to military duty, African Americans’ achievements and contributions are critical to our national identity and American success.

DNC Black Caucus Chairwoman Virgie M. Rollins said:

“We celebrate the beginning of Black History Month by reflecting on the achievements and contributions of African Americans to the American way of life.  African Americans are an integral part of our country and our citizenry.

“America’s ongoing effort to achieve a more perfect union requires its citizens to strive for justice and equality for all.  The Democratic Party has taken that effort to heart, and we continue to be at the forefront of the effort to guarantee social and economic justice for every American, to guarantee that every voice is heard and every vote is counted, and to promote the richness of diversity in our nation.  Our party this month reiterates its commitment to ensuring that African Americans and Americans of all backgrounds have the chance to pursue the American Dream.”