Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Joe Baca (D-Rialto) joined millions of Americans in marking the annual celebration of February as Black History Month – a celebration that has been occurring since 1976.

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

African Americans continue to contribute to our nation and to make great strides, with many new landmarks to celebrate as time moves forward.  In November 2008, Americans elected the first African American to be President.  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.

The theme of Black History Month this year is “Black Women in American Culture and History.” This gives all Americans the opportunity to pay tribute to the role African American women have played in shaping our nation – with African American women often serving as champions of social and political reforms.

Unfortunately, many African American families are still bearing the brunt of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.  In September, President Obama sent to Congress the American Jobs Act, which would strengthen the economy and is estimated to create 1.9 million jobs.  Over the last several months, Republican obstruction has been blocking this bill from moving forward.

“Jobs and the economy are the number-one issue for African American families, just as they are for all American families,” said Rep. Baca.  “That is why my immediate focus is on fighting for a payroll tax cut for 20 million African American workers and to extend the lifeline of unemployment insurance for those who have lost a job through no fault of their own.  I will also continue to work for the enactment of other provisions of the President’s American Jobs Act, that create jobs by helping small businesses hire and grow, putting construction workers back on the job rebuilding America, and preventing the layoff of teachers, firefighters and police officers.  These steps are critical to helping improve the lives of African American families all across the country.”

Later this month – on Thursday, February 23rd – Rep. Baca will host his annual Outstanding Student Achievement Awards event in honor of Black History Month.  The event recognizes the top African American students from each of the high schools in the 43rd Congressional District for their academic achievement, leadership, and community service.   The event will be held at the Chaffey Joint Union High School District’s Hill Auditorium, located at 211 W. 5th Street in Ontario; from 6 pm – 9 pm.

“As we celebrate Black History Month,” concluded Rep. Baca, “let us pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions of past generations of African Americans, and work to recognize those young people who are making a difference in the world today through their outstanding achievements and community involvement.  I pledge to continue to work in Congress for an America that fully lives up to its ideals and allows all Americans to reach their full potential.”

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