ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WWAY) -- A congressman and the leader of the black caucus came together Sunday for the 17th annual black history month commemoration.
"I certainly want to say to people here today we have come a long way but there is still some distance for us to go," said Marcia Fudge.
Congresswoman Fudge says she wants to use her story to inspire people. Fudge served as the first African American female mayor in Ohio. In 2012, she was unanimously elected to serve as chairwoman of the congressional black caucus. Fudge and McIntyre work together on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. She is also a member of the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee. McIntyre wants to recognize and honor the contributions from the African American culture around North Carolina.
"As you can tell today there's quite a variety of people here of all ages from all places and from all races which I think is important because we share the joy of what black history month is about because it shows the contributions to our communities throughout this region that we celebrate black history month," said congressman Mike McIntyre.
African American elected officials from all levels of government attended the event.
"To see people come together united and strong for this kind of celebration I think speaks volumes about the people here in eastern North Carolina who say we have a community spirit we want to celebrate together we embrace our cultures that have influenced the great history of this part of North Carolina and our nation," said McIntyre.