Barbara Kennelly: “One of our great blessings as a nation is our extraordinary cultural diversity. This varied heritage makes the mosaic of…”

“One of our great blessings as a nation is our extraordinary cultural diversity. This varied heritage makes the mosaic of American life one of unparalleled richness and beauty. And a key part of that mosaic is our African-American heritage, which we honor and celebrate each February during Black History Month. No area of American accomplishment or achievement has remained untouched by African-Americans. Educators like Johnetta Cole open minds. Entrepreneurs like Earl Graves create successful businesses. Jurists like Leon Higginbotham protect our rights. And astronauts like Mae Jemison explore the very nature of our universe. Thie year, Black History Month's theme is ``African Americans and Civil Rights--A Reappraisal.'' Today, as our Nation struggles to redefine its commitment to affirmative action and to ensure that all Americans enjoy equal opportunity, we have the chance to reflect on how far we have come and to judge how far we have yet to go.”