WASHINGTON – A Senate resolution to commemorate National Black History Month by recognizing the contributions of African Americans was today approved unanimously with the sponsorship of U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss.

Senate Resolution 379 was introduced today by Cochran and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). Wicker is an original cosponsor of the measure.

“This month is a special time for honoring the countless contributions that African Americans have made to our country since its founding,” Wicker said. “I am pleased that so many Mississippians are named among the pioneers, leaders, and luminaries named in the resolution. We continue to learn from their example, especially their perseverance against discrimination and the difference they made in our state and nation.”

“Black History Month gives us a chance to consider where we’ve been and where we need to go to ensure the ability for all citizens to contribute to our great nation,” Cochran said. “I am proud of the significant influence that black Mississippians have had on our nation, from the heroes of the civil rights movement to cultural icons to those now serving to protect and improve our communities.”

The measure acknowledges the contributions made by African Americans in education, politics, arts, sports, literature, science, and technology.

Among prominent African Americans cited in the measure, a number of Mississippians are named, including B.B. King, Aaron Shirley, Blanche Bruce, Medgar Evers, Holt Collier, Walter Payton and Hiram Revels.

The resolution states in part that “all people of the United States are the recipients of the wealth of history provided by Black culture” and that the Senate “recognizes the importance of Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on the complex history of the United States, while remaining hopeful and confident about the path ahead.”

In addition to Wicker, additional cosponsors of the Gillibrand-Cochran resolution included Senators Kelly Ayotte R-N.H., Tom Carper D-Del., Cory Booker D-N.J., Bob Casey D-Pa., Michael Bennet D-Colo., Barbara Boxer D-Calif., Sherrod Brown D-Ohio, Richard Burr R-N.C., Ben Cardin D-Md., Chris Coons D-Del., Richard Durbin D-Ill., Dianne Feinstein D-Calif., Al Franken D-Minn., Chuck Grassley R-Iowa, Johnny Isakson R-Ga., Tim Kaine D-Va., Amy Klobuchar D-Minn., James Lankford R-Okla., Edward Markey D-Mass., Claire McCaskill D-Mo., Jeff Merkley D-Ore., Jerry Moran R-Kan., Lisa Murkowski R-Alaska, Chris Murphy D-Conn., Patty Murray D-Wash., Bill Nelson D-Fla., Rand Paul R-Ky., Gary Peters D-Mich., Rob Portman R-Ohio, David Purdue R-Ga., Jack Reed D-R.I., Harry Reid D-Nev., Bernie Sanders D-Vt., Jeff Sessions R-Ala., Charles Schumer D-N.Y., Tim Scott R-S.C., Jeanne Shaheen D-N.H., Debbie Stabenow D-Mich., Thom Tillis R-N.C., Mark Warner D-Va., Elizabeth Warren D-Mass., Sheldon Whitehouse D-R.I., and Ron Wyden D-Ore.