Refugee Congress Honors Black History Month
Refugee Congress Honors Black History Month
Today, Refugee Congress enthusiastically begins our celebration of Black History Month.
Throughout the month of February, we will join together across the country and around the world to honor Black Americans’ many historical accomplishments, highlight important work in communities across the country today, and celebrate the next generation of Black leaders who will shape the future.
We also call attention to the deeply rooted systems of racial inequity, violence, and injustice in the United States. As former refugees and asylum-seekers, we are survivors of war and genocide, and we know the devastating impacts of injustice and hate. We honor Black leaders who have fought and continue to fight for freedom and democracy and to help create a welcoming nation where refugees, asylees, and other vulnerable migrants are able to seek freedom.The fight to dismantle systematic racism must continue beyond February, and we must continue to stand against injustice and build a more just future for ourselves and our children.
“Today marks the first day of Black History Month. I applaud the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) for this year’s theme, ‘Black Health and Wellness,’ which couldn’t have come at a better time – a time when the leading contributors to healthcare disparities relate to race and ethnicity,” said Lourena Gboeah, Chair of the Refugee Congress Board of Directors. “According to the CDC, a study of selected states and cities with data on COVID-19 deaths by race and ethnicity showed that 34 percent of deaths were among non-Hispanic Black people, although this group accounts for only 12 percent of the total U.S. population. While the theme highlights disparities in African American healthcare, it also plans to celebrate Black contributors to healthcare.”
Throughout this month, we will share quotes and stories from Refugee Congress members and others in honor of Black History Month. We will also join with partner organizations to spotlight the power of Black refugees and asylees and the many ways they strengthen their communities.
Black History Month is an important month to highlight and celebrate Black Americans, but it is only one month of the year. The celebration of Black Americans and much-needed antiracism work must be centered in our work on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants to promote the well-being, integration and dignity of all vulnerable migrants. With delegates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we use our voices and experiences to inform and influence decision-makers on critical domestic and international issues that affect our communities.
MEDIA CONTACT: (202) 905-6238, media@refugeecongress.org
