Cory Booker: Black History Month promotes 'understanding'

Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, NJ says Black History Month still has a strong place in American culture.

"I think it's important that we take time to study women's history, African-American history...and the contributions that have been made from the beginning of our nation," Booker said in a recent interview with NBC Nightly News' Brian Williams.

Booker, who has made headlines for everything from his crime-fighting mission in his city to his frequent use of social media sites like Twitter, is up for re-election as Newark mayor this year. He said his generation has more resources, more wealth and more opportunity than any time in history.

Booker said he is looking forward to building on the progress older generations have made, especially for African-Americans.

"I'm really full of hope," Booker said. "We have big problems, big challenges and the question is, how will we meet them? That's ultimately going to define (my) generation."

Video edited by Todd Johnson