Maine Legislature
AUGUSTA – February marks Black History Month, an annual celebration to honor the achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. In recognition, the Maine Legislature passed two Joint Resolutions paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society. Full text of the Joint Resolutions can be found here and here.
Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross released the following statement:
“Black History Month serves as a celebration and a reminder that African American history is American history and African American culture is American culture. It is not separate, but an integral part of our collective history. It’s true for me personally, as a 9th generation Mainer, and so many other Maine people.
“In order to fulfill our nation’s promise to form a more perfect union, we must continue to confront the systemic racism and inequality that has been a part of our country since its founding. While we recognize the powerful work that has been done, we know we have so much further to go. Let us recommit to our fight to advance equity, racial justice and opportunity.”
House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham issued the following statement:
“House Republicans celebrate black history and the contributions of African Americans in our history, as part of our commitment to the premise that all men and women are created equal. We are committed to bringing us together as one nation where, as the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once famously stated: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.’”
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