The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is pleased to celebrate February 2003 as African American History Month. "During this month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by African Americans throughout our nation's extraordinary history," said Commission Chairperson Mary Frances Berry. "We are a better nation because of our diverse and multicultural peoples, and we are stronger when we recognize and celebrate that diversity."
African American History Month had its genesis in 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, under the auspices of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, successfully lobbied for the creation of a "Negro History Week" to promote awareness of the achievements of African and African American peoples. The Week was expanded to Black History Month in 1976.
The Commission has been at the forefront of promoting African American causes
since its founding in 1957, noted Dr. Berry. "Our recent work on voting
irregularities in Florida and the inadequacy of percentage plans as a replacement
for affirmative action programs in colleges and universities continues the Commission's
contributions to the nation's public policy discussion, a history that has earned
the Commission the title of the 'Governmental Conscience of the Nation' on civil
rights matters."
"The Commission is dedicated to the promise of an America that overcomes
the burdens of its past and helps all its people achieve a better tomorrow,"
said Dr. Berry. "This month, we make a special effort to commemorate this
country's American-African heritage even as we work toward a better future for
all."
01/31/03