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WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Charles B. Rangel kicked off celebrations for Black History Month last week by introducing Congressional resolutions honoring the contributions of Constance Baker Motley Zora Neale Hurston, Arthur Schomburg and Madame C. J. Walker to this nation.
"We all stand on the shoulders heroes and trailblazers," said Congressman Rangel. "Their lives and achievements made this country a better place and paved the way for the successes of the present."
The bills are just one of several that Rangel has introduced since the start of the 110th Congress in support of African American historical figures. Current legislation sponsored by the Congressman include measures honoring the late music great James Brown (H.CON.RES.27), calls for a Adam Clayton Powell Jr commemorative stamp (H.CON.RES.26) and a Congressional Gold Medal named after former Congress woman Shirley Chisholm (H.R.622). Congressman Rangel has also re-introduced legislation that seeks a posthumous pardon for Marcus Garvey (H. Con. Res. 24), unjustly convicted of mail fraud in 1921.
"No person, no country, can possible hope to get far without knowing their past," said Congressman Rangel. "This is just one step towards ensuring that the contributions that African Americans have made throughout the course of this country's history are remembered far beyond 28 days in February."
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LIST OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION
H. CON. RES. 58 - Expresses the sense of Congress that business pioneer Madame C. J. Walker be recognized for her achievements in business, her inventions, and her commitment to the African-American community.
H. CON. RES. 59 - Expresses the sense of Congress that Zora Neale Hurston should be recognized for her achievements as a novelist and anthropologist, and for her contributions to the Harlem Renaissance movement.
H.CON.RES 132 - Recognizes and honors the life and achievements of the civil rights activist and U. S. Southern District Judge Constance Baker Motley.
H.CON.RES. 56 & 57 - Expresses the sense of Congress that Arturo Schomburg should be recognized for his leadership and contributions in documenting, recording, and researching the historical contributions to society of peoples of African descent and for his efforts to combat racial and ethnic discrimination in the United States. Also recognizes the contributions of the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in educating the people of the United States about the African-American migration experience, and for other purposes.
H.CON.RES.24 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that a pardon should be granted to Marcus Mosiah Garvey.
H.CON.RES.26 - Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Service should issue a postage stamp commemorating Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. (introduced 1/10/2007)
H.CON.RES.27 - Expresses the sense that James Brown should be recognized for his contributions to American music as one of the greatest and most influential entertainers of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s as an American cultural icon.
H.R.622 - Awards a posthumous award for former Rep. Shirley Chisholm in recognition of her activism, independence, and ground-breaking achievements in politics.
H.R.735 - Calls for the United Nations federal building that is to be constructed at 799 First Avenue to be named after former Commerce Secretary Ronald Brown.
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