WASHINGTON – In commemoration of Black History Month, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Representative Hank Johnson (D-Ga.4) have introduced resolutions calling on Congress to designate January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2024, as the “International Decade of People of African Descent.” Senator Cardin introduced S.Con. Res. 5 in the Senate. Representative Johnson, along with members of the Congressional Black Caucus including Representatives John Lewis, Alcee Hastings; Charles B. Rangel; John Conyers, Jr.; Gregory Meeks; Alan Grayson; and Karen Bass, introduced a similar language in the House of Representatives Tuesday.

“A year is not enough time to fully recognize and honor the many achievements in our societies made possible by persons of African descent,” said Senator Cardin.  “The International Decade of People of African Descent should be a time in which we celebrate the diversity that makes our societies so vibrant and strong, – be they in Africa, Latin America, Europe, or right here at home in the United States. The International Decade for People of African Descent assists in promoting equality, opportunity, understanding, and respect at home and around the world at a time when more efforts to build solidarity amongst all aspects of our societies are needed.”

Johnson said the purpose of his resolution is to engage governments and societies across the globe join together with people of African descent to promote respect, protection, and work toward the fulfilment of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“This resolution acts as a marker, urging governments and people across the globe to promote the history and heritage of people of African descent so that they might rightfully take their place on the world’s stage,” said Representative Johnson. “It will act as a platform so that we can develop and launch strategies to address racial disparities in justice, wealth, education, employment, health, housing and development.”

To read the Senate resolution, click HERE.

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