Embassy Events 2010
Black History Month 2010: The History of Black Economic Empowerment
3 February 2010
W.E.B. DuBois. MalcolmX. Martin Luther King. Rosa Parks
Each February, Black History Month honors the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens over the most devastating obstacles — slavery, prejudice, poverty — as well as their contributions to the nation’s cultural and political life. According to the U.S. Census Bureau there are more than 41 million black residents in the United States, including those of more than one race. They make up 13.5 percent of the U.S. population. The theme for 2010, “The History of Black Economic Empowerment,” recognizes the lives of black men and women who have had successful business careers.
In 2009, the inauguration of Barack Obama, America’s first African-American president, lent Black History Month a special significance. Obama took the oath of office January 20, the day after Americans honored the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. with a federal holiday and national day of service. In his inaugural address… Obama acknowledged the historical importance of a moment in which “a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”
Each year, the U.S. president honors Black History Month, or African-American History Month as it is also called, with a proclamation and a celebration at the White House. States and cities hold their own events around the country, and media feature topics related to black history.
The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw will be hosting a film series honoring contributions of black Americans to filmmaking throughout February and March. Further details will be available on our website in coming days.