Thursday, February 5, 2009 — February marks the beginning of Black History Month. It's a time to look back and celebrate African American history and all of the important people who have contributed to its great progress over the years.

Mayor Douglas Wright and Millsberry Museum Curator Keith Umai were thrilled to kick off Black History Month with a new addition to the museum's Black History Exhibit .

"This month, we honor many of the great African American individuals who came before us. Many of these people paved the way for the justice and equality we now know. And many helped to bring about the rich culture and heritage we're privileged to celebrate," said Mayor Wright during the exhibit's opening ceremony.

"Keith already had an amazing exhibit in place, highlighting five very important individuals in African American history," said Wright, "but I thought to myself, 'Why not add something more this year to give Millsberry citizens an even greater window into Black History'"

"The exhibit will be shown throughout the month of February and onwards to celebrate Black history, so be sure to check it out. We've created what we hope will be an eye-opening experience for many," added Mayor Wright.

Keith Umai then presented some of the exhibit's new pieces.

"Our current exhibit already focused on a variety of great figures in African American history: Etta James, Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., and Frederick Douglass. But we're extra excited to be adding five more important individuals this year—including Jackie Robinson, Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, and Billie Holiday," said Umai.

"Among this diverse group of men and women we have contributors to the Civil Rights Movement as well as African American culture," added Umai.

In 1926, an African American historian named Carter G. Woodson established what would become Black History Month. Back then it was observed for just a week. Woodson chose the second week in February because it marked the birthdays of two very important figures in the abolishment of slavery: Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass.

Now, this important part of our heritage is honored throughout the month of February.

And Black History Month is as important today as ever. So come on down to the museum to join Mayor Wright, curator Keith Umai, and the rest of Millsberry to help celebrate!