Summary

Recognizes and records congressional findings about the history of slavery, later racial injustices (including lynching, segregation, and denial of citizenship rights), and ongoing vestiges of those injustices in 2025, while celebrating the contributions of African Americans across many fields. It recounts the origins of Negro History Week created by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926, notes the inspiration from celebrations of Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays, and cites more recent milestones such as the election of Barack Obama and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The measure is declaratory and commemorative: it affirms historical facts and recognition rather than creating new programs, funding, or regulatory requirements. Its primary impact is symbolic—supporting public awareness, education, and cultural commemoration of African American history and contributions.

• Formally recognizes the history of slavery and subsequent racial injustices in the United States.
• Acknowledges that vestiges of those injustices persisted as of 2025.
• Highlights the broad and often underrecognized contributions of African Americans across many fields.
• Recalls that Negro History Week, founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926, is the origin of Black History Month.
• Notes that earlier celebrations of Lincoln’s and Douglass’s birthdays inspired Negro History Week.
• Cites the election of Barack Obama and the establishment of the National Museum of African American History and Culture as modern milestones.
• Affirms that people of goodwill from all races have advanced civil rights in the United States.
• Is declaratory and commemorative—does not authorize spending or impose legal mandates.