119-hres720

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 720 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

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119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
H. RES. 720

 Expressing support for the designation of September 2025 as ``African 
 Diaspora Heritage Month''.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 September 16, 2025

 Ms. McClellan (for herself, Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick, Mr. Jackson of 
Illinois, Ms. Salazar, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Ms. Kamlager-Dove, Ms. 
 Norton, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mrs. McIver, Mr. Carson, Ms. Kelly of 
 Illinois, Mr. Veasey, Mr. Bell, Ms. Omar, and Mr. Subramanyam) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
 on Oversight and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

 Expressing support for the designation of September 2025 as ``African 
 Diaspora Heritage Month''.

Whereas the African diaspora population in the United States has grown 
 significantly in recent years, with the number of African immigrants 
 growing at a rate of almost 246 percent from 2000 to 2019;
Whereas the African Union recognizes the African diaspora as 2 categories: 
 people of African heritage who ``involuntarily'' migrated to North 
 America, Europe, the Caribbean, Brazil, Latin America, Oceania, etc., 
 and persons who recently left Africa ``voluntarily'';
Whereas the African diaspora community is one of the most diverse communities in 
 the United States, inclusive of people who speak a multitude of 
 languages, represent various ethnic and cultural traditions from across 
 the African Continent, and practice diverse faiths;
Whereas, during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, a significant number of 
 enslaved people from Africa were brought to the United States, leaving a 
 lasting legacy and shaping the cultural, political, and economic fabric 
 of the Nation;
Whereas immigrants of African origin exhibit some of the highest educational 
 achievements of any immigrant group in the United States;
Whereas African diaspora households contribute billions of dollars to the 
 economy of the United States, with an estimated $24,000,000,000 in 
 Federal taxes, $15,000,000,000 in State and local taxes, and a spending 
 power of more than $114,000,000,000 in 2021;
Whereas sub-Saharan African immigrants living in the United States, Europe, and 
 elsewhere sent back $54,000,000,000 in remittances to the continent of 
 Africa in 2023, supporting families and driving economic development;
Whereas Government agencies, including the International Development Finance 
 Corporation, the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Treasury, 
 and Office of the United States Trade Representative, are critical to 
 investments and enduring mutual partnerships between the United States 
 and African nations;
Whereas, in 2021, through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (19 U.S.C. 3701 
 et seq.), the United States imported $6,700,000,000 in goods;
Whereas Prosper Africa and other similar Government initiatives are critical to 
 building and strengthening ties between the United States and African 
 businesses;
Whereas the total 2-way goods trade with sub-Saharan Africa totaled 
 $44,800,000,000 in 2021, a 21.8 percent increase from $36,700,000,000 in 
 2019;
Whereas the African diaspora plays an invaluable role in shaping Government 
 policy, providing critical insight and global perspective;
Whereas members of the African diaspora have an invaluable understanding of 
 cross-cultural engagement between the United States and Africa, and of 
 existing relations and networks on the African Continent, and can 
 support efforts to facilitate stronger ties between the United States 
 and Africa;
Whereas the United States is committed to strengthening the bilateral and 
 multilateral relationships between the United States and countries 
 throughout the African Continent;
Whereas Congress strongly supports the hosting of the second United States-
 Africa Leaders Summit by the United States, which was held in December 
 2022, to deepen collaboration between the Government and the African 
 diaspora community in the United States, and to strengthen ties between 
 the United States and African nations by bringing together approximately 
 49 African heads of state;
Whereas the African diaspora harbors a deep commitment to family and community, 
 an enduring work ethic, and a perseverance to succeed and contribute to 
 the society of the United States;
Whereas all members of the African diaspora in the United States deserve access 
 to Federal resources, a voice in the Government of the United States, 
 and meaningful opportunities to participate in civic life;
Whereas the United States is committed to strengthening the dialogue between the 
 African diaspora and Government officials in the United States; and
Whereas the African diaspora community significantly contributes to the growth 
 and prosperity of the United States, and Congress honors this abundant 
 and growing community: Now, therefore, be it
 Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

    (1) expresses support for the designation of ``African 
 Diaspora Heritage Month'';

    (2) encourages people of the United States to observe 
 ``African Diaspora Heritage Month'' through appropriate 
 ceremonies, programs, and activities;

    (3) urges civil and educational authorities of States, 
 counties, cities, and towns to observe ``African Diaspora 
 Heritage Month'' through appropriate programs and activities; 
 and

    (4) affirms that--
        (A) the contributions of the African diaspora 
 community are a significant part of the history, 
 progress, and heritage of the United States; and
        (B) the ethnic and racial diversity of the United 
 States enriches and strengthens the Nation.
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