Iowa Democratic Party Black Caucus Chair Jamie Woods released the following statement in celebration of the first day of Black History Month:
“As we mark the beginning of Black History Month in this particularly divisive era, I want to express my gratitude and admiration for those in the African American community who have been pillars of unity, love, and peace, not just for the our community, but for all people. The legacies of Dr. King, Thurgood Marshall, Maya Angelou, Ralph Montgomery, Edna Griffin, Willie Glanton, and so many more have made the very fabric of our country stronger. They laid the foundation for a future where we do not view progress as a zero-sum game between Americans, but a communal struggle to lift the entire country up as one.
The Black Americans we celebrate this month made their mark because they showed up and made themselves heard. Which is why, in their honor, I am also using this moment to call on everyone to come out and participate in the February 5th Caucuses and the 2018 midterm elections. This is not a year to sit back and let other people do the talking. Come out and continue the progress these incredible Americans started for us. Let’s make this country a better place together.”