Legislator, Students Convene at The Henry Ford For Black History Month

Dearborn congressman John Dingell joined local Dearborn students and residents at the Henry Ford Museum on Wednesday to discuss the importance of the civil rights movement in recognition of Black History Month.

Dingell addressed those gathered at the Museum from in front of the Rosa Parks Bus, where he discussed his record on civil rights, the life and legacy of Parks, and his role as the only current member of Congress to have supported the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1964, and 1965.

“Folks like Rosa Parks led the charge on the streets and in our schools and communities to stand up to the hate and bigotry that once said we are not equal,” said Dingell. “She put her life and liberty on the line to prove something that we must all now know to be true—that all men and women are created equal no matter their race, color, or creed. While our Nation has taken substantial steps towards advancing equality and ending prejudice, sadly there remains work to be done, and I’m honored to recognize the past, present and future contributions of African-Americans to our nation this Black History Month.”

In late February, a statue of Parks will be unveiled and entered into the National Statuary Hall Collection for display in the United States Capitol Building. The statue is scheduled to be unveiled on Feb. 27.

“This statue will serve as a reminder of so much of what a great many people had to overcome throughout our nation’s history,” added Dingell. “But it will also serve as a symbol of hope—as a way for us to remember where we were, and where we need to be. I’m proud that Congress is taking these steps, and I plan to be there in the Capitol Rotunda to welcome this honor of Ms. Parks to Washington.”