Friday, February 4, 2011


THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of Media Affairs

Obama Administration Celebrates Black History by Winning the Future

WASHINGTON, DC During Black History Month, Americans from around the country will celebrate the creativity, determination, and progress that African Americans have made to our nation’s identity and culture. This year’s celebration of Black History Month will be an opportunity not just to look back and celebrate the achievements of our community, but also to honor the legacy of those that have come before us while fostering the leaders of tomorrow. Throughout the month, Cabinet Members, Administration officials, and senior staff will participate in events to highlight the various ways African Americans are winning the future by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building our global competition.

"During National African American History Month, we recognize the extraordinary achievements of African Americans and their essential role in shaping the story of America. In honor of their courage and contributions, let us resolve to carry forward together the promise of America for our children," --President Obama’s National African American Heritage Month Proclamation.

In addition to events, the White House will feature African Americans from agencies throughout the Administration that contribute to the President’s vision of winning the future through their efforts to move America forward. Each profile will post on the “Celebrating Black History by Winning the Future” webpage. This week, whitehouse.gov will feature administration officials that are using Innovation to win the future:

Featured Blog Posts: Innovation

· Introduction blog post: Black History Month: "Shaping the Story of America"

· Christopher Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oil and Natural Gas in the Office of Fossil Energy of the U.S. Department of Energy. Link

· Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Link

· Dr. Cecilia Rouse, Member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers. Link

· Charles Bolden, Administrator for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (This post will be released on Saturday)

Throughout February guests that tour the White House will be welcomed by volunteers and given a Black History Month brochure with photos and text that showcase Presidents and American icons throughout history. One of the display cases on the tour will showcase photographs with a similar theme to the pamphlets. One day each week during Black History Month will feature a musical performance. The Friday, February 4, will feature a performance from the Washington Performing Arts Society Children Gospel Choir.