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National African American History Month Speech Resources: Fact Sheet

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National African American History Month
January 28, 2022February 13, 2024
Speech Resources: Fact Sheet
Valerie S. CervantesMaya V. Thomas
This fact sheet links to authoritative information resources related to National African This fact sheet links to authoritative information resources related to National African American
Senior Knowledge Services
Reference and Digital American History Month, which is also referred to as African American History Month History Month, which is also referred to as African American History Month Services Librarian and Black History and Black History
Librarian
Month. It is designed to assist congressional offices with work related Month. It is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to National African to National African

American History Month by providing links to legislation, CRS American History Month by providing links to legislation, CRS reports, sample speeches and reports, sample speeches and
remarks from the remarks from the Congressional Record, and presidential proclamations and remarks. It also , and presidential proclamations and remarks. It also

links to additional government resources and selected advocacy, educational, cultural, and links to additional government resources and selected advocacy, educational, cultural, and
military organizations. military organizations.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page 45 link to page 5 link to page 5 link to page 6 link to page link to page 5 link to page 5 link to page 6 link to page 67 link to page 7 link to page 7 National African American History Month Speech Resources: Fact Sheet

Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1 History ................. 1
History...................................................................................................................... 1
Legislation ................................................................................................................................. 1 1
Related CRS Reports ................................................................................................................. 2 1
Sample Speeches and Recognitions .......................................................................................... 2
Presidential Proclamations and Remarks .................................................................................. 2
Government Resources ............................................................................................................. 3
Nongovernment Resources .................................................................................................. 3..... 4

Contacts
Author Information .......................................................................................................................... 4 4

Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

National African American History Month Speech Resources: Fact Sheet

Introduction
National African American History Month, also referred to as African American History Month National African American History Month, also referred to as African American History Month
and popularly as and Black History Month, is observed Black History Month, is observed annual yannually in February, in celebration of the in February, in celebration of the
achievements of achievements of Black Americans.“all that Black Americans have done to help our country.”1 National African American History National African American History Month “provides opportunities for our Nation’s public schools, institutions of higher learning, and the public to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the many contributions of Black Americans to our country and the world.”2Month recognizes the
central role of African Americans in U.S. history.
This fact sheet is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to National African This fact sheet is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to National African
American History Month. It provides authoritative information resources on National African American History Month. It provides authoritative information resources on National African
American History Month, including links to legislation, CRS reports, sample speeches and American History Month, including links to legislation, CRS reports, sample speeches and
remarks from the remarks from the Congressional Record, and presidential proclamations and remarks. It also links , and presidential proclamations and remarks. It also links
to additionalto additional government resources and selected advocacy, educational, cultural, and military government resources and selected advocacy, educational, cultural, and military
organizations. organizations.
History
The origins of National African American History Month date back to 1926, when Dr. Carter G. The origins of National African American History Month date back to 1926, when Dr. Carter G.
Woodson, a noted scholar of Black history, set aside time in February to recognize the heritage, Woodson, a noted scholar of Black history, set aside time in February to recognize the heritage,
achievements, and contributions of African Americans.achievements, and contributions of African Americans.3 Since 1976, the Association for the Study Since 1976, the Association for the Study
of African American Life and History (ASALH), the organization founded by Dr. Woodson, has of African American Life and History (ASALH), the organization founded by Dr. Woodson, has
expanded the observance of Black History Week into a month-long celebration.expanded the observance of Black History Week into a month-long celebration.1
4 Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush’s messages on the observance Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush’s messages on the observance
were were cal scalls to celebrate “National Afro-American (Black) History Month.” to celebrate “National Afro-American (Black) History Month.”25 In 1992, George H.W. In 1992, George H.W.
Bush recognized February as “National African American (Black) History Month,”Bush recognized February as “National African American (Black) History Month,”36 and every and every
President since President since Bil Clinton Bill Clinton in 1996 has proclaimed February as “National African American in 1996 has proclaimed February as “National African American
History Month.”History Month.”47
Each year Each year, the national theme for the National African American History Month celebration is the national theme for the National African American History Month celebration is
chosen by ASALH. The theme for chosen by ASALH. The theme for 2022 is “Black Health and Wel ness.”52024 is “African Americans and the Arts.”8
Legislation
P.L. 99-244—In 1986, Congress P.L. 99-244—In 1986, Congress official yofficially recognized the month of February as Black (Afro- recognized the month of February as Black (Afro-
American) History Month.
Related CRS Reports
The Congressional Research Service has prepared numerous reports that relate to African
Americans. Some of these include the following:

1American) History Month. 1 P.L. 99-244 2 Ibid. 3 Daryl Michael Scott, “Origins of Black History Month,” Daryl Michael Scott, “Origins of Black History Month,” Association for the Study of African American Life and
History, at https://asalh.org/about-us/about, at https://asalh.org/about-us/about -black-history-month/. -black-history-month/.
24 Ibid. 5 For more information, see For more information, see The American Presidency Project, at https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/advanced-search?, at https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/advanced-search?
field-keywords=%22National+Afro-American+%28Black%29+History+Month%22. field-keywords=%22National+Afro-American+%28Black%29+History+Month%22.
3 6 George George H.W. Bush,H.W. Bush, “Message on the Observance of National African-American (Black) History Month, February “Message on the Observance of National African-American (Black) History Month, February
1992,” presidential remarks,1992,” presidential remarks, The Am ericanAmerican Presidency Project, January 29, 1992, at https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/, January 29, 1992, at https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/
documents/message-the-observance-national-african-american-black-history-month-february-1992. documents/message-the-observance-national-african-american-black-history-month-february-1992.
47 For more information, see For more information, see The American Presidency Project, at https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/advanced-search?, at https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/advanced-search?
field-keywords=%22National+African+American+History+Month%22. field-keywords=%22National+African+American+History+Month%22.
5 8 For more information on this year’s theme and past themes, see For more information on this year’s theme and past themes, see Association for the Study of African American Life
and History, “, “ Black History Black History T hemesThemes,” at https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/. ,” at https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/.
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National African American History Month Speech Resources: Fact Sheet

Related CRS Reports The Congressional Research Service has prepared numerous reports that relate to African Americans. Some of these include the following: CRS Report RL30378, CRS Report RL30378, African American Members of the U.S. Congress: 1870-2020, by Ida A. , by Ida A.
Brudnick and Jennifer E. Manning Brudnick and Jennifer E. Manning
CRS Report R46705, CRS Report R46705, Membership of the 117th Congress: A Profile, by Jennifer E. Manning (see , by Jennifer E. Manning (see
“African American Members”) “African American Members”)
CRS Report R43244, CRS Report R43244, Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview, by Jennifer E. Manning , by Jennifer E. Manning
and Ida A. Brudnick (see “African American Women in Congress”) and Ida A. Brudnick (see “African American Women in Congress”)
CRS Report R43626, CRS Report R43626, The Voting Rights Act of 1965: Background and Overview, by Kevin J. , by Kevin J.
Coleman Coleman
CRS Report R44865, CRS Report R44865, Juneteenth: Fact Sheet, by , by Erin M. Smith
Devon Galena CRS Report R47520, The Voting Rights Act: Historical Development and Policy Background, by R. Sam Garrett Sample Speeches and Recognitions
Elected officials often deliver speeches, make floor statements, issue press releases, or enter Elected officials often deliver speeches, make floor statements, issue press releases, or enter
Extensions of Remarks into the Extensions of Remarks into the Congressional Record to recognize federal holidays and to recognize federal holidays and
observances. The following are some recent examples: observances. The following are some recent examples:
Representative Donald Payne, “Celebrating Black History Month,” remarks in the House of Representatives, Congressional Record, vol. 169, no. 21 (February 1, 2023), p. H613. Representative Cori Bush, “Black History Month,” remarks in the House of Representatives, Congressional Record, vol. 168, no. 25 (February 8, 2022), p. H1020. Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee and Ritchie Torres, “Our Power, Our Message During Black Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee and Ritchie Torres, “Our Power, Our Message During Black
History Month,” remarks in the House of Representatives, History Month,” remarks in the House of Representatives, Congressional Record, vol. 167, no. 34 , vol. 167, no. 34
(February 23, 2021), pp. H573-H583. (February 23, 2021), pp. H573-H583.
Senator Dick Durbin, “Black History Month,” remarks in the Senate, Senator Dick Durbin, “Black History Month,” remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, vol. , vol.
167, no. 33 (February 22, 2021), pp. S757-S758. 167, no. 33 (February 22, 2021), pp. S757-S758.
Representative Joyce Beatty, “Observing Black History Month,” remarks in the House of Representative Joyce Beatty, “Observing Black History Month,” remarks in the House of
Representatives, Representatives, Congressional Record, vol. 166, no. 40 (February 28, 2020), pp. H1255-H1256. , vol. 166, no. 40 (February 28, 2020), pp. H1255-H1256.
Senator Ben Cardin, “Black History Month,” remarks in the Senate, Senator Ben Cardin, “Black History Month,” remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, vol. , vol.
166, no. 37 (February 25, 2020), pp. S1143-S1144. 166, no. 37 (February 25, 2020), pp. S1143-S1144.
Representative Stacey Plaskett, “Recognizing Black History Month,” remarks in the House of Representative Stacey Plaskett, “Recognizing Black History Month,” remarks in the House of
Representatives, Representatives, Congressional Record, vol. 166, no. 24 (February 5, 2020), p. H775. , vol. 166, no. 24 (February 5, 2020), p. H775.
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, “Commemorating Black History Month,” remarks in the Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, “Commemorating Black History Month,” remarks in the
Extensions of Remarks, Extensions of Remarks, Congressional Record, vol. 166, no. 23 (February 4, 2020), pp. E123-, vol. 166, no. 23 (February 4, 2020), pp. E123-
E124.E124.
Presidential Proclamations and Remarks
One of the many uses of a presidential proclamation is to ceremoniously honor a group or One of the many uses of a presidential proclamation is to ceremoniously honor a group or cal
call attention to certain issues or events. Some recent National African American History Month attention to certain issues or events. Some recent National African American History Month
Congressional Research Service 2 National African American History Month Speech Resources: Fact Sheet proclamations, from the White House website and the proclamations, from the White House website and the Compilation of Presidential Documents, ,
include the following: include the following:
Presidential Proclamations—Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (2021 Presidential Proclamations—Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (2021-present) )
Presidential Proclamations—Donald J. Trump (2017-Presidential Proclamations—Donald J. Trump (2017-2020)
2021) Presidential Proclamations—Barack H. Obama (2009-Presidential Proclamations—Barack H. Obama (2009-20162017) )
Presidential Proclamations—George W. Bush (2001- Presidential Proclamations—George W. Bush (2001-2008)
2009) Presidential Proclamations—Presidential Proclamations—Wil iam William J. Clinton (1996-J. Clinton (1996-20002001) )
Presidential proclamations and remarks from 1993 to the present are available through the Presidential proclamations and remarks from 1993 to the present are available through the
govinfo service on the Government Publishing Office website. Earlier remarks (including govinfo service on the Government Publishing Office website. Earlier remarks (including
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National African American History Month Speech Resources: Fact Sheet

selected audio and video clips) are availableselected audio and video clips) are available through The American Presidency Project, through The American Presidency Project,
established by the University of California, Santa Barbara. established by the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Government Resources
The African American History Month African American History Month website is a joint effort by the Library of Congress, National Archives is a joint effort by the Library of Congress, National Archives
and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gal eryGallery of Art, of Art,
National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum,
and contains an extensive guide to the events, exhibits, collections, audiovisual resources, and and contains an extensive guide to the events, exhibits, collections, audiovisual resources, and
research and teaching guides on African American history and culture from their institutions. research and teaching guides on African American history and culture from their institutions.
African American Heritage Research (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration) African American Heritage Research (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration)
provides guides and online access to archival records relating to African American history. These provides guides and online access to archival records relating to African American history. These
records include manuscripts, videos, and photographs from the National records include manuscripts, videos, and photographs from the National Arc hivesArchives and presidential and presidential
libraries. libraries.
Facts for Features: National African-American (Black) History Month, February 2022 (U.S. Facts for Features: National African-American (Black) History Month, February 2022 (U.S.
Census Bureau) contains collections of statistics from the Census Bureau’s demographic and Census Bureau) contains collections of statistics from the Census Bureau’s demographic and
economic subject areas related to African Americans. economic subject areas related to African Americans.
Spotlight on Statistics: Labor Market Activity of Blacks in the United States, February 2020 (U.S. Spotlight on Statistics: Labor Market Activity of Blacks in the United States, February 2020 (U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics) contains historical data and projections to provide an economic Bureau of Labor Statistics) contains historical data and projections to provide an economic
snapshot of Blacks or African Americans in the U.S. labor market. Presented in celebration of snapshot of Blacks or African Americans in the U.S. labor market. Presented in celebration of
African American History Month. African American History Month.
Black Americans in Congress (History, Art & Archives, U.S. House of Representatives) contains Black Americans in Congress (History, Art & Archives, U.S. House of Representatives) contains
“biographical profiles of former African-American Members of Congress, links to information “biographical profiles of former African-American Members of Congress, links to information
about current black Members, essays on institutional and national events that shaped successive about current black Members, essays on institutional and national events that shaped successive
generations of African Americans in Congress, and images of each individual Member, generations of African Americans in Congress, and images of each individual Member,
supplemented by other historical photos.” This website is based on the book supplemented by other historical photos.” This website is based on the book Black Americans in
Congress, 1870-2007. .
The National Museum of African American History and Culture was established as part of the The National Museum of African American History and Culture was established as part of the
Smithsonian Institution on December 16, 2003, by the African American History and Culture Act Smithsonian Institution on December 16, 2003, by the African American History and Culture Act
(P.L. 108-184). A competition was held to determine the design of the building and the (P.L. 108-184). A competition was held to determine the design of the building and the
groundbreaking ceremony for the museum was on February 20, 2012. The purpose of the groundbreaking ceremony for the museum was on February 20, 2012. The purpose of the
museum is to provide for the establishment of programs relating to African American life, art, and museum is to provide for the establishment of programs relating to African American life, art, and
culture encompassing the periods of slavery; reconstruction; the Harlem renaissance; the civil culture encompassing the periods of slavery; reconstruction; the Harlem renaissance; the civil
rights movement; and other periods of African American history. rights movement; and other periods of African American history.
Congressional Research Service 3 National African American History Month Speech Resources: Fact Sheet African American History Month and African American Heritage (National Park Service) African American History Month and African American Heritage (National Park Service)
highlight historic places that preserve African American history, including information about highlight historic places that preserve African American history, including information about
properties recognized by the National Register of Historic Places that “exemplify the properties recognized by the National Register of Historic Places that “exemplify the
contributions of African American culture and achievementcontributions of African American culture and achievement.” Spotlight: Black History Month (U.S. Department of Defense) acknowledges the contributions of Black military and civilian personnel, celebrating the “richness and diversity of their achievements.” .”
Nongovernment Resources
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), Founders of The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), Founders of
Black History Month (in 1926, Black History Month (in 1926, original yoriginally Negro History Week), carries forth the work of its Negro History Week), carries forth the work of its
founder, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. ASALH’s mission is “to promote, research, preserve, interpret founder, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. ASALH’s mission is “to promote, research, preserve, interpret
and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.” and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.”
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National African American History Month Speech Resources: Fact Sheet

The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University (DC) has one of the world’s The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University (DC) has one of the world’s
“largest and most comprehensive largest and most comprehensive repositories for the documentation of the history and culture of
people of African descent in Africa, the Americas, and other parts of the world.
repository of books, documents, and ephemera on the global Black experience.” Archives of African American Music and Culture (AAAMC) Archives of African American Music and Culture (AAAMC) at Indiana University (Bloomington, IN) is one of the foremost research is one of the foremost research
centers for the study of Black musiccenters for the study of Black music is Indiana University (Bloomington, IN). The AAAMC . The AAAMC
houses African American collections and history of religious, classical, blues, gospel, R&B, and houses African American collections and history of religious, classical, blues, gospel, R&B, and
hip hop music. hip hop music.


Author Information

Valerie S. Cervantes

Maya V. Thomas Reference and Digital Services Librarian Acknowledgments This fact sheet was originally authored by Valerie Cervantes, former CRS Senior Knowledge Services LibrarianSenior Knowledge Services Librarian

. This fact sheet was previously updated by Erin Smith, former CRS Reference and Instruction Librarian. Congressional Research Service 4 National African American History Month Speech Resources: Fact Sheet

Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should n otnot be relied upon for purposes other be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
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