This month, we celebrate Black History Month and take time to honor the vast contributions of Black Americans, reaffirming that Black History is American history.

From trailblazing suffragette Hattie Redmond who led in the long struggle for Oregon woman suffrage, to Margaret Carter who became the first Black woman elected to Oregon’s state legislature – I’m grateful for the contributions of countless Black Oregonians who fought to make our state a fairer and more equal place.

This Black History Month, I hope you’ll join me in reflecting on the remarkable contributions of Black Americans to our state and country. And while we celebrate, we must also continue to dedicate ourselves to building a truly just and equal nation for all.

Thank you and happy Black History Month!

Andrea Salinas