[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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