WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement in honor of Women's History Month:

"Every year since 1980, our nation has set aside the month of March to salute women and their historic achievements. National Women’s History Month is an opportunity to specially recognize the innumerable contributions of women throughout our history and to express our appreciation for the immeasurable influence women have in our daily lives.

This year's theme is "Our HISTORY is Our Strength," in which we are encouraged to honor women within our local communities or organizations. In our own District, we can look to women such as the late Lena Horne and Maya Angelou as sources of inspiration.

Horne began singing at Harlem’s famed Cotton Club at the tender age of 16, leading to roles on Broadway and eventually Hollywood. Though the ignorance of the era may have cost her roles and deals that would normally go to gifted geniuses, Horne never shied away from speaking out against racial and social injustice and even refused to sing in venues that restricted access to African Americans. She wasn’t just an entertainment legend way before her time; she was also a committed fighter for civil rights.

Angelou, who authored revered works such as I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings and Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Die, remains an enormous influence within our community. As one of the most decorated writers of our generation, a champion of civil rights, and a proud daughter of Harlem. She is a living history, from whom we continue to draw strength.
 

Lena Horne and Maya Angelou are two famous faces among numerous shining examples of brave women all across Northern Manhattan who have been able to overcome adversity to become successes in their own lives and heroines for so many. Leaders like Jean Dorsey, long time Upper West Side resident and housing advocate, who as current president of the Westgate Tenants’ Group has fought for better conditions not just for her building but all Mitchell Lama residents around the City. Someone like Rosita Romero, longtime President of the Dominicans Women's Development Center, which has for more than two decades provided social services and other empowering tools to all women in Northern Manhattan.
 

I encourage everyone to take time in March to pay tribute to the countless and nameless women who are improving our communities and making a difference in your everyday lives."