Congressman Mike Ross' letter regarding Black History Month

Each February, our nation celebrates Black History Month. This is a valuable time to reflect on a part of our American heritage and how it has affected our country’s development, our communities and our lives. History teaches us that every culture and every society is founded on a set of values and beliefs that make it unique from others, and we should do all we can to preserve our diversity for future generations of Americans.

During Black History Month, we celebrate the vast contributions of African Americans to our nation’s history and identity. Throughout America’s history, African American men and women have persevered through much hardship and prejudice to enrich our national life in countless ways.

There are new landmarks to celebrate as time marches forward. In October 2011, the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall was dedicated. On February 22, there will be a groundbreaking ceremony on the National Mall near the Washington Monument for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which Congress authorized in December 2003. It is expected to open in 2015.

In an effort to make certain that our nation doesn’t forget the sacrifices, struggles, and contributions of African Americans, I am pleased to be an original co-sponsor of House Resolution 36, Legislation Recognizing the Significance of Black History Month.

H.Res. 36 resolves that the United States House of Representatives: “recognizes the significance of Black History Month as an important time to recognize the contributions of African-Americans in the Nation's history, and encourages the continued celebration of this month to provide an opportunity for all peoples of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the Nation,” and “that ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the nation.”

While African Americans have made great strides over the past few decades, many obstacles remain, especially during these tough economic times. Many African American families are still bearing the brunt of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Jobs and the economy are the number-one issue for African American families, just as they are for all American families.

The reality is that our nation’s economic recovery depends on the success of all Americans. That is why this is not just an African American problem – it’s an American problem. We need commonsense solutions that create private-sector jobs and boost economic development. While I'm working hard to help our economy recover, we still have a long way to go and I will not rest until every Arkansan who wants a job has one. No one side has a monopoly on good ideas and I'll continue to work with both Democrats and Republicans to reduce our deficit, get our economy back on track and put more Americans back to work.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let us pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions of past generations of African Americans and work to reignite the American Dream today and for the next generation. We must continue to work for an America that fully lives up to its ideals and allows all Americans to reach their full potential.