Black History Month Speech
Today, we celebrate the beginning of Black History Month, a time to commemorate and honor the contributions of African Americans throughout our nation. This month has special meaning in the District of Columbia. Much of the history of Washington, DC is the history of African Americans, and the history of black America is inextricably tied to our great city.
In 1862, Congress passed the District of Columbia Emancipation Act, making Washingtonians the first freed slaves in the nation. Nine months later, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, cementing the District's role as a vibrant center of African American culture and society as freed slaves from across the nation flocked here.
The rich legacy of African Americans
In 1862, Congress passed the District of Columbia Emancipation Act, making Washingtonians the first freed slaves in the nation. Nine months later, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, cementing the District's role as a vibrant center of African American culture and society as freed slaves from across the nation flocked here.
The rich legacy of African Americans