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Maisel Issues Statement Citing Black History Month The first annual Negro History Week was celebrated during the second week in February, 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Eventually, this evolved into Black History Month, the current four-week-long celebration of African-American history. In celebration of Black History Month - and to officially apologize for the tragedy of legalizing and perpetuating slavery and the slave trade in New York - the Assembly passed a bill acknowledging and apologizing for it and establishing a commemorative day in tribute to those enslaved in New York. For more than 200 years, slavery existed in what is now New York State. Our government not only legalized the enslavement of Africans and their descendants, but also enacted slave codes - taxes on the sale of enslaved persons and fines payable to the local government or poor house administrators for their violations. Our country has changed for the better since slavery was abolished, but much remains to be done to further equality along the path envisioned by civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and others whose struggle continues to this day. The African-American leaders of this country brought a new, previously unrealized era of tolerance, growth and opportunity for all. It is important we remember the values of these leaders so their struggle is not forgotten. Douglass wrote that "we have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the present and future." I would add that we must never forget the crimes of the past if we are to successfully forge ahead to the future. The history of African-Americans is the history of America itself. From times of adversity to times of triumph, African-Americans have pushed the country forward socially and culturally. It is important to celebrate their countless contributions, especially during Black History Month, and it is time to formally apologize to and commemorate those whose freedom was stolen during the era of slavery. Douglass and Dr. King stood tall against the intolerance, racism and lack of opportunities of their day and promoted real change for Americans and New Yorkers. For those of us who serve in state government, that should be our goal as well.
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