A Video Message from Rep. Quigley: Reflecting on Black History Month
WASHINGTON – At the conclusion of Black History Month, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) delivered a video message reflecting on the month's significance, honoring the figures who fought for racial justice, and acknowledging the progress that remains to be made. Click here to view the video.
Below are Rep. Quigley's full remarks.
"As February comes to a close, we reflect on the twenty-eight days marking Black History Month. Every year, we recognize and celebrate the achievements of African American historical figures who broke barriers; fought against injustice; and demanded civil rights, basic dignity, and respect in the country they call home.
"In my own city of Chicago, we reflect on the triumphs of our hometown heroes such as Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel in space; activist and journalist Ida B. Wells; and Robert Sengstacke Abbott, founder and publisher of the prominent newspaper, the Chicago Defender. The commendable work of these individuals—and so many others—greatly enriched our communities, our city, and our entire country for generations to come. Their accomplishments deserve our appreciation and recognition every day, not just during a single month of the year.
"During this time, Americans also salute our current leaders who continue to build on past progress and move our nation forward. This includes the historic number of Black Members of the 116th Congress. We also celebrate the legislative accomplishments that right past wrongs and steer us in a positive direction. This includes the "The First Step Act," which was recently signed into law to address the disproportionately high number of incarcerated Black Americans.
"Unfortunately, this month also brings forth painful reminders of things we already knew – That our founding ideals of justice, equality, and freedom for all are still denied to so many Americans. In 2019 alone, we have witnessed incidents of bigotry from our political leaders, all of which prove the harsh reality that racism still infects our society, including positions of American political power.
"The exposure of these unfortunate incidents is necessary, and it is long overdue, because this reality of hate dates all the way back to our founding. It's a hatred that continues to manifest itself through word, action, and law. These experiences show us that striving for tolerance is far too low a bar. Instead, we must actively counteract these vulgar, racist forces by fighting for equality in all American systems, including those that have repeatedly disenfranchised people of color.
"As a society, we need to reject all aspects of racist ideology that seek to undermine our values, ideals, and future success. This month, we are reminded of the remarkable people who helped get us where we are today, as well as the progress we still have yet to make."