Scott, Booker Black History Month Resolution Unanimously Passes Senate

WASHINGTON – This week, the Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Cory Booker’s (D-N.J.) resolution celebrating Black History Month and the contributions made by Black Americans throughout history. 

This year, the resolution recognizes the contributions of the late NBA legend Bill Russell in addition to other prominent African Americans who have contributed to the history of the United States through economic, educational, political, artistic, athletic, literary, scientific, and technological advancements.

“As we come together to celebrate the past and present contributions of Black Americans, we must continue to foster opportunity for the next generation of leaders,” said Senator Scott.  “‘Making a way out of no way’ is the common thread that has tied the Black American experience to the broader American story. As the Senate comes together to officially commemorate Black History Month, my prayer for our country is that we continue our search for common ground and create opportunity for ourselves and all those who follow in our footsteps.”

“Black history is American history. Generations of Black Americans throughout our country’s history have worked, struggled, and sacrificed to make our nation a more perfect union,” said Senator Booker. “Celebrating Black history means honoring the innumerable contributions Black Americans have made and continue to make, and recognizing the work left to do towards making this a country of liberty and justice for all. I applaud my Senate colleagues for swiftly passing this resolution to celebrate Black History Month.”

Background:

Sen. Scott has cosponsored this resolution every year since the beginning of the 113th Congress. This bipartisan resolution:

• Acknowledges that all people of the United States are the recipients of the wealth of history provided by Black Culture.
• Recognizes the importance of Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on the complex history of the United States, while remaining hopeful and confident about the path ahead.
• Acknowledges the significance of Black History Month as an important opportunity to commemorate the tremendous contributions of African Americans to the history of the United States.

Bill Russell was an American professional basketball player who played as a center for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969 and is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Despite decades of fraught racial relations with Boston Celtics fans, he became the first Black NBA head coach in 1966. Bill Russell was an 11-time NBA Champion, 5-time MVP, and a 12-time NBA All-Star. He was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Obama in 2011.

Full text of the resolution can be found here.