|
Ohio Democratic Party Statement on the Celebration of Black
History Month
The Ohio Democratic Party released the following statement
from Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper, Ohio
Democratic Party Vice Chairman Rhine McLin and Ohio Young
Black Democrats President Dontavius Jarrells in recognition
of Black History Month:
“Black History Month is a time to recognize the
extraordinary leaders of the past and present who have
broken barriers and made America a stronger nation,” said
Pepper. “This month reminds us to recommit ourselves to the
ongoing fight against discrimination and racial inequality.
The theme of this year’s Black History Month is ‘The Crisis
in Black Education.’ In the spirit of the civil rights
movement, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a brighter
future for all of our children, no matter the color of their
skin.”
“Black History Month gives us the opportunity to look back
at Ohio’s African-American political leaders that paved the
way for the current generation,” said McLin. “Today we honor
great Ohioans like Congressman Lou Stokes, who became Ohio’s
first African-American congressman and helped to found the
Congressional Black Caucus; Mayor Carl Stokes, who was the
first African-American mayor of a major U.S. city;
Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who was the first black
woman to represent Ohio in Congress; Representative William
Mallory, who was Ohio’s first black House majority leader
and longest-serving in its history; Jesse Gooding, who
served as the president of the Dayton chapter of the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
and led the fight to desegregate the Dayton public schools;
and my father, Representative C.J. McLin, who served the
people of Dayton as their state representative for more than
two decades and founded the Black Elected Democrats of Ohio.
It is our duty as citizens to honor the legacy of these
great leaders by continuing to fight for good jobs, a living
wage, access to health care and better schools for all of
our children, regardless of their race, color or religion.”
“At the heart of it all, the African-American story is the
American story,” said Jarrells. “It's a story of courageous
leadership in the face of adversity. It's a story of
progress that strengthens our great democracy. I am proud to
honor and stand on the shoulders of many giants to continue
the legacy of service and shape the future of our great
state.”
|
