Rep. Peters, Dingell mark Black History Month

U.S. Reps. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, and John Dingell, D-Dearborn, have issued statements marking Black History Month.

Rep. Dingell’s statement:

“Throughout our Nation’s history, leaders from the African-American community have worked tirelessly to take steps towards advancing equality, ending prejudice, and overcoming hate. This country is stronger because of the work of African-Americans nationwide, playing an enormous role in shaping the cultural and intellectual identity of our Nation.

“As we take time this month to reflect on the countless contributions made by African-Americans to our great Nation, we must also look to the future and all who will come after to continue to advance the goals of equality and fairness, regardless of the color of one’s skin.

“On this, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks, I urge Southeast Michigan residents and all Americans to join me in recognizing the honor of her fight—and the fight of all who battle injustice—as we recognize and commemorate Black History Month.”

Here’s part of Peters’ statement:

“This year, as we pause to reflect upon the countless contributions of African Americans throughout our nation’s history, we also commemorate the anniversary of two landmark events that helped change the course of freedom and equality in this country.

“(One hundred and fifty) years ago, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

“(And) the 1963 march on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream of a nation where everyone, regardless of race, are judged on the content of their character and not the color of their skin.

“There is no clearer example of the progress we’ve made than the election of our first African-American President, Barack Obama.

“As President Obama described during his inaugural speech in January, the struggle to achieve equality for every citizen continues today.

“We, as Americans, should be proud of the progress we have made.

“As we recognize these landmark achievements in our nation’s history, let us also recommit ourselves to realizing the full meaning of our creed…that all men, and women, are created equal.”