Washington , D.C.  – As the nation celebrates African American history month, Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) and Congressman John Lewis (GA-5), along with over a dozen of their colleagues, sent a letter to President George W. Bush urging him to join Congress in honoring the African American spiritual.  Last year the House of Representatives unanimously passed DeLauro's bipartisan resolution (H. Res 120), which reflects on the important contribution of African American spirituals to American history.  It recognizes the African American spiritual as a national treasure and urges the P resident to do the same with a national proclamation.

“The African American spiritual has been woven into the fabric of this nation's history, in fact, people around the globe play and enjoy music that draws on the musical legacy of enslaved Africans.  It truly epitomizes the theme of Black History Month this year, which emphasizes how the struggles of African Americans to have contributed to the diverse American identity,” said Rep. DeLauro. “I would urge the President to share in this celebration of the historic achievements of African Americans and issue the proclamation recognizing the African American spiritual and a national treasure.” 

“Through the African American spiritual, “said Rep. John Lewis, “we can hear the voices of African slaves, some of our American ancestors, calling out to the divine, seeking guidance through their dark night of suffering.  Though the institution of slavery is gone, the music still continues to inspire because it so simply yet beautifully describes the trials of the human condition.  These songs also formed the backbone of the Civil Rights Movement, a revolution of values in our lifetime that helped redeem the soul of America .  Due to the powerful role this music has played in American history and for the continuing inspiration it provides today, I believe it is both fitting and appropriate for the President to proclaim these songs as a national treasure.”  

The theme of Black History Month this year is “Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism.”  This year's theme highlights that the multiculturalism of today had its origins in the struggles of African Americans to have their cultural contributions recognized by American society.  The noted educator and scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson – the “Father of Black History” – authored numerous scholarly books on the positive contributions of Blacks to the development of America and he laid the foundation for a rethinking of American identity as a blending of many cultures.  He also founded Black History Week in 1926, which was the precursor of Black History Month established in 1976.

Below is the full text of the letter.

February 27, 2008

The Honorable George W. Bush

President

The White House

Washington , DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

As we celebrate African American history during the month of February we honor the contributions of African Americans all across our nation.  In recognition of this celebration, I am writing to request that you issue a proclamation that reflects on the important contribution of African American spirituals to American history, and name the African American spiritual a national treasure.  

African slaves in America were prohibited from speaking their native languages and from learning to read and write English.  Spirituals and oral history thus became their sole mode of expressing their desires for freedom, their anguish in bondage, and their love for God.  By blending rhythms and tones from their native lands with the language of the New World and the Christian faith, African slaves forged the uniquely American art form of the African American spiritual. 

Though they are rooted in one of the darkest periods of our history as a nation, spirituals have also inspired America 's greatest musical accomplishments, from entire genres such as jazz and rock 'n' roll to moving works of opera and orchestral music.  Songs such as “We Shall Overcome,” “Go Down Moses,” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” and have entered our cultural lexicon and that of the world.  Today, human beings across the globe play and enjoy music that draws on the musical legacy of enslaved Africans.  Furthermore, in its cry for deliverance, the African American spiritual captures a resounding call for justice and human dignity that instructs to this day. 

As you may know, I introduced a resolution (H.Res.120) in honor of the African American spiritual.  I am pleased to inform you that this bi-partisan resolution passed unanimously during African American history month last year on February 7 th

            Given this recognition by the House of Representatives, I urge you to join us in honoring the African American spiritual as a national treasure and issue the proclamation that is detailed in the resolution. 

Sincerely,

Rosa L. DeLauro

John Lewis

Barbara Lee

Jim McDermott

Raul Grijalva

Rush Holt

John Larson

Maurice Hinchey

Doris Matsui

E.B. Johnson

Elijah Cummings

Chris Van Hollan

Albio Sires

Vic Snyder

Stephanie Tubbs-Jones

Betty Sutton