Washington, D.C. – A resolution introduced by U.S. Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., Thad Cochran, R-Miss., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Kamala Harris, D-Calif. commemorating Black History Month passed the U.S. Senate late Monday. S.Res.69 celebrates the achievements of African Americans and acknowledges the history and legacy of systematic racial discrimination in the United States. 

“In passing this resolution, the United States Senate affirms and celebrates the fact that black history is American history, and that the black experience is the American experience. It underscores the academic, literary, scientific, artistic, and cultural accomplishments of African-Americans that have contributed to the depth and vibrancy of our nation’s heritage and enriched the lives of all Americans,” said Senator Booker. “This resolution is also a call to action to confront the civil rights challenges of the twenty-first century and a commitment, through sustained, vigorous efforts and perseverance, to fulfilling the promise of equality enshrined in our country’s founding documents and becoming one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

This resolution represents Senate commemoration of the significant contributions of African Americans to the growth of our nation.  We honor the not only past history, but the great expectation of future achievements that will make the United States stronger,” Senator Cochran said.  “I commend the Mississippians who have played important roles in enriching our nation and our state through their bravery, creativity and sheer willpower.” 

Senator Gillibrand said, “Black History Month is a celebration of the achievements of African Americans and their contributions to America’s success throughout our history. It is also a chance to reflect on the painful history of racism in our country, including the residual effect of institutionalized racism that unfortunately still survives in many places today. When our African American community thrives, our country thrives, and I will continue doing everything I can to fight for our African American community in the Senate.”

Senator Scott said, "Black history is American history. When I reflect on our country's past, there is not one part of our history that has not been impacted by the strength, resilience, and perseverance of remarkable men and women who have come before me. They have sacrificed, they have endured, and they have succeeded in  creating a better country for us all. I am eternally indebted to the progress made by the giants who fought relentlessly for equality and acceptance, and am so proud to introduce this important resolution with several of my colleagues."

“Black History is living history, and should be celebrated each and every month,” said Senator Harris. “We should always find the time to remember and celebrate all of those who have come before us, and those who are leading the way right now. This month is a time to recognize and acknowledge the dark parts of our history, but also to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions that African-Americans in this country have made.” 

Other original cosponsors of the resolution include: Sens. Edward Markey D-Mass., Bob Casey D-Pa., Tom Carper D-Del., Chris Coons D-Del., Chuck Schumer D-N.Y., Tammy Baldwin D-Wis., Maggie Hassan D-N.H., Robert Menendez D-N.J., Elizabeth Warren D-Mass., Jack Reed D-R.I., Roger Wicker R-Miss., Lisa Murkowski R-Alaska, Rob Portman R-Ohio, Jerry Moran R-Kans., Rand Paul R-Ky., Mazie Hirono D-Hawaii, Michael Bennet D-Colo., Debbie Stabenow D-Mich., Bill Nelson D-Fla., Richard Blumenthal D-Conn., Patrick Leahy D-Vt., Patty Murray D-Wash., Mark Warner D-Va., Richard Durbin D-Ill., Tim Kaine D-Va., Bernard Sanders I-Vt., Jeanne Shaheen D-N.H., Joe Donnelly D-Ind., Ron Wyden D-Ore., Ben Cardin D-Md., Al Franken D-Minn., Amy Klobuchar D-Minn., Catherine Cortez Masto D-Nev., Tom Udall R-N.M., Thom Tillis R-N.C.,  Johnny Isakson R-Ga., David Perdue R-Ga., John McCain R-Ariz., James Lankford R-Okla., Richard Burr R-N.C., Dean Heller R-Nev., Susan Collins R-Maine, Chuck Grassley R-Iowa, Lamar Alexander R-Tenn., Dianne Feinstein D-Calif., Gary Peters D-Mich., Chris Murphy D-Conn., Marco Rubio R-Fla., Luther Strange R-Ala., and Richard Shelby R-Ala.

The resolution can be viewed here.