Menendez Statement On Black History Month

Senator honors contributions of African-Americans both past and present. Today, on the 142nd anniversary of the ratification of the 15th Amendment which guaranteed that the right to vote could not be denied based on race, and in celebration of the beginning of Black History Month, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) released the following statement:

“During Black History Month, we celebrate and recognize the enormous contributions of African-Americans in New Jersey and the nation as a whole. Throughout our Nation’s history African American men and women have enriched our society through education, business, medicine, religion, the military, science and technology and in many walks of life. These men and women have been pioneers for social and political change, freedom fighters, leaders, and a fundamental part of the fabric of our nation. The greatness of our Nation is rooted in its diversity and the contributions of all its citizens.”
On February 26, Senator Menendez will host The Second Annual Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Program, where the Senator will pay tribute to the rich history of African Americans during Black History Month. The event will honor the outstanding contributions of the100 Black Men of New Jersey, Inc. , the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Bergen/Passaic Chapter and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Southern New Jersey. The event will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, 771 Somerset Street, Somerset, NJ, where the Rev. Dr. DeForest “Buster” Soaries is the senior pastor.