Whereas the celebration of Black History Month every February is an integral way to recognize and appreciate the multitude of progress that has been made in the African-American community; Whereas during Black History Month, we reflect upon the works and teachings of historic figures such as Harriet Tubman, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, James Baldwin, Madam C.J. Walker, Malcolm X, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes, to the modern day contributions of civil rights leaders and icons of the 21st century including the esteemed former President Barack Obama, Reverend Al Sharpton, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, and many others; Whereas Black History Month is celebrated in communities around the Nation and especially throughout New York’s 13th Congressional District with its rich culture of inclusion and diverse heritage, and particularly in Harlem neighborhood, which is recognized around the Nation and the world for its historic landmarks and legacy of social revolution and artistic expression of the African-American community; Whereas Harlem, specifically, has made immense contributions to America’s culture and historical foundations due to individuals such as Langston Hughes, W.E.B. Du Bois, Duke Ellington, Romare Bearden, Zora Neale Hurston, and many more key figures; and Whereas Black History Month gives us a platform to recognize the numerous parts of our country that would not be present today without the contributions of the African-American people in the areas of music, arts and entertainment, education and technology, business and policy, and our Nation’s Armed Forces: Now, therefore, be it