Every February we celebrate Black History Month, an event that has a history of its own thanks to Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D. He founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and is known as the “Father of Black History.” He illuminated the idea that black history is about more than the subjugation of slavery, and brought awareness to the significant impact African Americans have on the social, political, and economic development of the United States and the world. In 1926 Dr. Woodson initiated Negro History Week to correspond with the February birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976 the celebration was expanded to the entire month of February. The advancement of civil rights impacts all of us. This has become even more apparent during the pandemic. Black Americans have been on the frontline more than anyone else, fighting for social justice and equality. As a beneficiary of their sacrifice, I am deeply grateful.

Jimmy Rhee
Special Secretary