Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) announced today that two community leaders from Wichita have been appointed to a U.S. Department of the Interior commission commemorating four hundred years of African-American history. Ms. Kenya Cox, NAACP Kansas State President and Executive Director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission in the Office of the Governor, and Rev. Nora “Anyanwu” Cox, minister and founder of Holy Spirit Healing Ministry and a retired nurse, were among 15 members appointed to the commission by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke on Friday, Nov. 2. In May, Rep. Estes nominated Kenya Cox for appointment to the commission, while Rev. Cox was nominated by others from the community.

“This vital commission will lead our country’s commemoration of African-American history throughout 2019 and I'm proud Kansas’ 4^th District will be well represented,” said Rep. Estes. “Kenya Cox and Rev. Cox have both dedicated their lives to serving our community. Their experience will help the commission fulfill its goal to educate and celebrate the contributions of African-Americans throughout our country.”

The 400 Years of African-American History Commission was established by Congress and enacted by President Donald Trump on Jan. 8, 2018, to plan, develop and carry out programs and activities throughout the United States to recognize 400 years of African-American contributions. Rep. Estes supported the bipartisan legislation creating the committee. The committee members will serve through July 1, 2020, and will begin meeting later this year.

Read more here.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Committee on Homeland Security.