WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) released the following statement today to commemorate Black History Month, which is observed during February:

"This month, America observes Black History Month to honor the contributions of the African-Americans whose work has shaped our nation in every area of endeavor. While the lives and legacies of African-Americans were once systematically excluded from our history, today we celebrate the central role these citizens have played in our nation's story for more than 400 years.

"And the creation of Black History Month-along with the pioneering work of African-American historians like Carter G. Woodson, the month's founder-have been central to that realization. I hope that all Americans will take the time this month to reflect on the promise of equality, the brave men and women who have called on America to live up to it, and the work that remains before we can say that the promise has been fully kept for all of our citizens."

###