Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act

Floor Speech

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Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Waters for managing this time.

To the gentleman from New York, what an honor it is for me to stand on this House floor as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, as a Black woman, to urge my colleagues to support the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act.

We have heard so much about them, and I am proud to join them, giving them the recognition that they deserve. These men of this segregated unit fought bravely in the First World War and distinguished themselves in battle across France. The men of the 369th Infantry Regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters, are an important chapter in the long history of Black Americans serving our country.

So often we talk about Black history, but it is important to know that Black history is American history. And, today, we stand here united as Americans, Democrats, Republicans, asking our colleagues to make sure that we recognize the Harlem Hellfighters for the great work, the great bravery, for what they did for this country.

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