Black History Month is a time of reflection on the achievements of Black Americans, their perseverance, and their over 400 years of contributions to our collective history.

It's a time for our country to lift up the stories of Black American heroes, scientists, scholars, artists, educators, inventors, writers, and other leaders whose achievements have made this country great.

It's a time to take a moment of silence for civil rights pioneers like Martin Luther King, Ella Baker, and my friend and colleague, Congressman John Lewis, whose strategy, sincerity, and sacrifice instituted a more just system over segregation and hate.

It's a time to celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight for equality, marked by events such as the swearing-in of Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock.

It's also a time to reflect on the significant work that must still be done to expand civil rights, voting rights, and racial justice. It's a time to reflect on the role that we all play in the fight for equality and a time to challenge ourselves to learn more and do more to make good on the ideals of this country.

You can guarantee that I'll be doing my part by working to pass much-needed policies and reforms to achieve our shared goals.

Thanks,

Peter