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| Why We Celebrate Black History Month—And What We Still Need To Learn |
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt and Christian Nunes, Chairwoman of the Racial Justice Committee
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February 1, 2019
WASHINGTON -
Every February, we observe Black History Month as a way of celebrating,
honoring and absorbing the lessons of the African Americans who have
contributed so much to our culture, our communities and our nation. This
year, we are witnessing a transformation in our politics, with more
women of color running for office, getting elected and making a
difference than ever before.
While Donald
Trump and his overwhelmingly white, male Administration wage a
mean-spirited, discriminatory and racially divisive campaign to
undermine civil rights protections, we need to remember the words of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King said,
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are
confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum
of life and history, there 'is' such a thing as being too late. This is
no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and
positive action.”
Black History
Month reminds us of the “fierce urgency of now.” That’s always been the
watchword of the National Organization for Women. As part of NOW’s core
principles, we see human rights as indivisible, and we will continue to
stand in solidarity and follow the lead of African Americans across the
country, working together to overcome the barriers to justice and
equality that have been imposed by racism.
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