Lujan Grisham Statement on Black History Month

Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement in recognition of Black History Month:

"I join with my fellow New Mexicans in celebrating Black History Month. African Americans have a long and rich history in New Mexico, dating back hundreds of years -- long before the United States existed. We must do more to highlight and celebrate that history, and educate citizens about the many contributions that generations of Black New Mexicans have made to the state.

"As we celebrate this month, it's just as important to reflect upon the obstacles that Black New Mexicans have had to overcome throughout history.

"Carter G. Woodson, the African American historian, author and journalist who is often referred to as the 'Father of Black History Month,' emphasized nearly a century ago that we must learn from history in order to shape the future.

"'What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice.'"

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