Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on Homeland Security and Judiciary, and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, issued the following statement in celebration of Black History Month:

“This month we celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the history of our great nation, and pay tribute to trailblazers, pioneers, heroes, who have laid the path for our collective success. The contributions of leaders like the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama; Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; U.S. Senator Blanche Kelso Bruce; U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan; U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland; along with the works from countless activists, intellectuals, authors, have helped our nation become a more perfect union.

“As a member of Congress, I know that I stand on the shoulders of giants whose struggles and triumphs made it possible for me to serve in the highest lawmaking body in the land, to continue the fight for equality, justice, and progress for all, regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. It is in honor of these giants that I ceremoniously acknowledge the 40th commemoration of Black History Month.

“For many of us, our greatest heroes are found in our own families. My inspiration is derived from my mother and father. Mrs. Ivalita “Ivy” Jackson, a vocational nurse, and Mr. Ezra A. Jackson, one of the first African-Americans to succeed in the comic book publishing business, taught me through example that anything was possible.

“As I think of them, I also reflect on pioneering women like U.S. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm; activists Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks; and astronaut Mae C. Jemison. Additionally, I am reminded of the tremendous sacrifices of African American veterans, who through courage, helped transform our nation from a segregated society to a nation committed to the never ending challenge of perfecting our union.

“While looking back on the gains we have won, we must also maintain our commitment to preserving the American promise of economic opportunity for all. Our immediate focus must be job creation and enacting legislation that will foster and lay the foundation for generations of groundbreaking activists, leaders, scientists, writers and artists to continue contributing to the greatness of America.

“It is through our work in creating possibilities for today’s and future generations that we best honor the accomplishments and legacy of our predecessors.”