Congressman Joe Crowley was the first Member of Congress from New York to do an annual Black History Month commemoration program. Previous speakers include, civil rights legend Congressman John Lewis (GA), Congressman Harold Ford Jr. (TN), New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson, Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman James Clyburn (SC), and Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY).

     In Washington, Congressman Joe Crowley has been a strong supporter of hate crimes legislation, and has voted to stop the US justice department from using racial profiling.

     African Americans suffer higher rates of diabetes and hypertension compared with other segments of the population. Congressman Joe Crowley has been a lead co-sponsor of legislation to increase funding for healthcare targeted to needs of the African American community.

     Congressman Joe Crowley secured the largest federal grant ever for Co-op City to establish a senior services center to serve the population.