Friday U.S. Rep. Terri A. Sewell, D-Alabama, commented on the annual February celebration of Black History Month.
“During Black History Month, we celebrate the extraordinary contributions and accomplishments African Americans have made to this nation and the world,” Sewell said. “As the first black Congresswoman elected from Alabama, a proud native of Selma and representative of Alabama’s Civil Rights district, I know I stand on the shoulders of so many giants who courageously fought, bled and died to make our society more just, equal and inclusive for all.”
“The legacy of Alabama’s 7th District is ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the name of social justice and change,” Sewell said. “We must always remember that there is work to be done – and there are always opportunities for every one of us to stand up for equality and justice.”
On Thursday, President Donald J. Trump declared February to be African American History Month.
“In the year 1619, a Dutch trading ship sailed into the Chesapeake Bay and dropped anchor at Point Comfort, Virginia,” Trump said. “The vessel’s arrival marked the beginning of the unscrupulous slave trade in the American colonies. It was from this immoral origin—and through inhuman conditions, discrimination and prolonged hardship — that emerged the vibrant culture, singular accomplishments and groundbreaking triumphs that we honor and celebrate during National African American History Month.”
“National African American History Month is an occasion to rediscover the enduring stories of African Americans and the gifts of freedom, purpose and opportunity they have bestowed on future generations,” Trump continued. “It is also a time to commemorate the countless contributions of African Americans, many of whom lived through and surmounted the scourge of segregation, racial prejudice and discrimination to enrich every fiber of American life. Their examples of heroism, patriotism and enterprise have given people of all backgrounds confidence, courage and faith to pursue their own dreams.”
“This year’s theme, Black Migrations, highlights the challenges and successes of African Americans as they moved from farms in the agricultural South to centers of industry in the North, Midwest and West — especially the migrations that occurred in the 20th century,” Trump added. “Through these migrations, millions of African Americans reshaped the demographic landscape of America, starting new lives in cities such as Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago and New York City.”
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will he holding a free screening of the movie “Buffalo Soldiers” as part of Black History month.
The Birmingham Civil Institute wrote: “Join us for a free film screening of Buffalo Soldiers: A Quest for Freedom, second film by local Alabama filmmakers, the Isabelle Brothers. A century and a half ago, Black soldiers, known as “Buffalo Soldiers” changed the face of the military forever. Despite their astonishing achievements in the face of heartbreaking adversity, the heroic bravery of these men has remained obscure. Until now! Buffalo Soldiers: A Quest for Freedom begins in the turbulent days leading to the Revolutionary War, traverses Frontier expansion and the Spanish American War and concludes with a modern perspective of military officers of color. This documentary chronicles, year by year, the extraordinary tale of these notable African-Americans and their invaluable service for our country.”
Sewell is serving her fifth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional district. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and is the vice chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Sewell is a chief deputy whip and serves on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, serves as vice chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus and vice chair of Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition.
