“Black History is American History”: Congresswoman Joyce Beatty Takes to the House Floor to Honor Black History Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) took to the floor of the United States House of Representatives to honor Black History as American History.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today – the first day of Black History Month – to honor Black History as American History,” Beatty said. “I believe that whether it is teaching AP Black History Courses – or standing on this House Floor – when we acknowledge the unique struggle of Black Americans through history, we grow closer to our nation’s highest ideals.

A video of Beatty’s floor speech as delivered can be viewed and downloaded here.

Beatty’s remarks as delivered are provided below:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today – the first day of Black History Month – to honor Black History as American History.

Black History is about the sung and unsung Black heroes and sheroes who have contributed to our nation’s progress – from the Revolutionary War to the fight against COVID-19 and everything in between.

So, therefore, we say thank you to the Black Americans who stand for justice, for voting rights, for women’s rights, better healthcare, climate reform, and education.

I believe that whether it is teaching AP Black History courses – or standing on this House Floor – that when we acknowledge the unique struggle of Black Americans through history – we grow closer to our nation’s highest ideals.

I hope everyone will take time this month to learn and truly understand that Black History is American History.

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