Mark Dayton: “This month in Minnesota and across the country we celebrate ``Black History Month''--a time when our nation rightfully…”

“This month in Minnesota and across the country we celebrate ``Black History Month''--a time when our nation rightfully recognizes the many and varied achievements of African Americans and the positive contributions they have made to American society and to our way of life. In 1926, Carter Woodson--considered by many to be the ``Father of Black History''--created Negro History Week, which became Black History Week in the early 1970s. In 1976, February was chosen to be Black History Month, because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, both of whom made heroic contributions to the lives of African Americans in this country. Today, Americans of all races recognize Black History Month as an important way to celebrate the achievements of African-Americans in Minnesota and the United States. However, today, and throughout our history as we honor this commemoration, we must also remember that we have a long way to go to ensure full and equal rights, opportunities, and benefits for all Americans.”