Black women in American history and culture

By Rodney O. Anderson
Major General, USA Deputy Commanding General

African American History Month Observance is a time to recognize and honor the selfless service and sacrifice that African Americans have made in service to our great nation. African Americans have served with distinction in every major American conflict from the Revolutionary War through the current War on Terror.

We as a nation, began this national observance in 1926 with the first “Negro History Week.” The celebration was expanded to a month-long observance in 1976, in conjunction with the nation’s bicentennial, and the name was changed to “African American History Month.” President Gerald R. Ford took that occasion to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Every president since has issued African American History Month proclamations.

This year will mark the 86th year of celebrating this observance, and the theme will be “Black Women in American Culture and Our History.” The XVIII Airborne Corps Equal Opportunity Office is hosting the observance on Feb. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Bragg Club. Dr. Bertha Miller, a professor of history at University of North Carolina — Fayetteville State University, will be the guest speaker. Take this time to reflect on the challenges and contributions that African American women have made throughout our nation’s history.