African-American History Month

To commemorate African-American History Month, the U.S. Embassy, the municipal government of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, and the Centro Bolivian American sponsored a photo exhibit entitled "Songs of My People" at the Museum of Contemporary Art February 14 through March 1.  The exposition featured scenes of present every-day life in the Afro-American community in the United States. 

February 2008 marked the 82nd annual celebration of African-American History Month.  Carter G. Woodson, a noted scholar and historian, instituted Negro History Week in 1926.  He chose the second week in February to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln (12 February 1809) and the abolitionist (born a slave) Frederick Douglas (who adopted 14 February 1817 as the date of his birth, since he did not know exactly when it was).  The celebration was expanded to a month in 1976, the nation's bicentennial.  President Gerald R. Forn then urged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."  The theme for 2008, "Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism," honors Woodson's contributions and his belief that "American should embrace the cultural differences that newcomers brought with them to America."