IV 
116TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 128 
Recognizing Black History Month and the contributions of Harlem to 
American history and culture. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEBRUARY 13, 2019 
Mr. ESPAILLAT submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees 
on the Judiciary, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subse-
quently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such 
provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing Black History Month and the contributions of 
Harlem to American history and culture. 
Whereas the celebration of Black History Month every Feb-
ruary 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 includ-
ing the esteemed former President Barack Obama, Rev-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
03:44 Feb 14, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6300
E:\BILLS\HR128.IH
HR128
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
•HRES 128 IH 
erend 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 inclu-
sion 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-Amer-
ican community; 
Whereas Harlem, specifically, has made immense contribu-
tions 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 recog-
nize 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 enter-
tainment, education and technology, business and policy, 
and our Nation’s Armed Forces: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) recognizes Black History Month and the 
contributions of Harlem to American history and 
culture; and 
(2) recognizes the fact that there is much more 
improvement that is yet to be made, and our efforts 
must continue to ensure equal representation and di-
versity within our Nation’s workforce, to address the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
03:44 Feb 14, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\HR128.IH
HR128
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
•HRES 128 IH 
significant racial disparities within the criminal jus-
tice system, to tackle the absence of equitable re-
sources for health care and treatment, and to create 
educational opportunities that lead to achievement 
for minority youth, and while we have made signifi-
cant progress as a Nation, much work remains in 
our efforts to ensure full representation, equality, 
and fairness for all individuals regardless of race. 
Æ 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
03:44 Feb 14, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\HR128.IH
HR128
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS