Mark Dayton: “February is a very special month for people in Minnesota and throughout our country. It is "Black History Month," when…”

“February is a very special month for people in Minnesota and throughout our country. It is "Black History Month," when all of us recognize the many outstanding achievements of African-Americans and their important contributions to our nation. We also honor the African-American men and women who achieved these successes despite obstacles which would have defeated lesser people. In 1926, Carter Woodson, considered by many to be the "Father of Black History," created Negro History Week. It evolved into 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. So throughout this month, let us celebrate the accomplishments of so many African-American heroes. They dared to take risks to ensure a better way of life for all people, and the results of their courageous acts have been felt around the world. Though we have come a long way in our battle for equal rights for all Americans, there is still much to be done. We must be bolder in our efforts to ensure that Americans of every race have every opportunity to share in and contribute to our economic prosperity. That means quality education and health care and adequate housing for all Americans. It means a good job with living wages, so that everyone can earn the American dream.”