Schakowsky Commemorates Black History Month
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chairwoman of Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement recognizing Black History Month:
"This February, we honor and celebrate the Black leaders, pioneers, and trailblazers whose hard work and determination better our communities every day. Black Americans continue to lead the fight for a more equitable and just society. We must all stand united to address the oppression and brutality that plagues our nation.
"The effects of slavery are still being felt to this day. The wealth gap between Black and white Americans persists and systemic racism continues to seep into just about every aspect of our lives. If we as a country do not acknowledge that these problems still exist and if we do not take the necessary steps to address them, we will fail not only all Americans, but also our democracy.
"Reparations are an important step in dismantling the systems of oppression that remain and will help level the playing field between Black and white Americans. I am proud to represent the first jurisdiction to pass a reparations law, my hometown of Evanston, Illinois. The city has recently approved the distribution of the first $400,000 in reparations payments to benefit eligible households' support for home acquisition or improvement. At the Federal level, I cosponsor legislation that will create a commission to study the effects and ramifications of slavery and discrimination in the United States. The commission will then present its findings and recommend appropriate actions for Congress to take. This is only the beginning; I look forward to what is to come.
"The health disparities between Black and white communities have only increased in recent years. In Chicago, the average life expectancy in the predominately white Streeterville neighborhood is 90 years old. Just nine miles away, in the predominantly Black Englewood neighborhood, the average life expectancy drops to 60 years old. This is unacceptable. We cannot sit idly by as the Black community continues to suffer. As a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues to create an unbiased health care system that protects Black lives.
"I have always believed that representation matters. This year's Black History month comes at a unique time. With an impending vacancy on the United States Supreme Court, I look forward to President Biden's nomination of a Black woman to the Supreme Court. There are numerous Black women who are immensely qualified to hold this position; it is well past time for one to be elevated to the highest court in the land.
"The United States Mint has just begun to ship out new quarters featuring the legendary poet and activist Maya Angelou. She is the first woman to be featured on a quarter and the first Black woman on any U.S. currency. I recently got ahold of one of the quarters to honor this momentous occasion and look forward to seeing them more in circulation. Throughout history, Black women have been pushed to the sidelines. Enough is enough. It is time for Black women to get the accolades they deserve and have fought so hard for.
"This Black History Month, let us all reflect on how we can make the country a more equitable place. I am grateful for all the leaders who continue to push our country in the right direction. There is more work to be done and I am ready to continue the fight. Black lives matter. Black lives have value. Black lives are beautiful. Let's get to work."
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