WASHINGTON — Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said this Tuesday in recognition of Black History Month:

“For many, the recognition of Black History Month might feel especially weighty this February. Grave news in matters touching on race relations has dominated mainstream media over the past year. People of good will have found it hard to discuss important issues.

“Something we can all agree on, however, is the contribution the African American community has made to our country. From the giants of history such as Harriet Tubman to today’s heroes, such as my guest to this year’s State of the Union, Pastor Jerome Smith, working quietly to improve lives in one of Wisconsin’s greatest cities — from Frederick Douglass, long ago teaching America the meaning of freedom, to those involved in Milwaukee’s pioneering school choice movement, bringing a crucial new liberty to education — Americans of African descent are at the center of America’s history. We should celebrate that contribution this month, and remember it always.”