African American History Month
What is it'
February is African American History Month. Each year the Army commemorates the contributions and sacrifices made by its African American Soldiers and civilians with activities and events at installations throughout the Army. This year's theme is "For Love of Liberty- Celebrating African American Soldiers throughout History." A special PBS documentary also titled "For Love of Liberty" will air in February. This program highlights and celebrates the service of African-American patriots throughout history. African Americans at all levels - uniformed and civilian - have and continue to play, key leadership roles in the Army with fierce dedication to duty, honor and country.
What has the Army done'
A special Army.mil Web site, <a href="http://www.army.mil/africanamericans/index.html" target="_blank"> African Americans in the U.S. Army</a>, outlining the contributions of African American Army personnel throughout history has been created. In addition, the Army has been working with producers of the "For Love of Liberty" documentary with a special unveiling of the "For Love of Liberty" display as well as special showings of the documentary at the Pentagon. A African American History Month event featuring the 555th Battalion "Triple Nickels" will occur at the Pentagon on February 11 with other various events scheduled on Army installations around the entire National Capital Region. Watch for information on when and where these events will occur.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'
The Army plans to continue to engage the public with various media products including blogs, roundtables and stories on Army.mil. These products will tell the stories of African American Soldiers and Army civilians both past and present. Special programs throughout the year, not just in February, will highlight diversity issues: Among them ethnic, gender and disability issues.
Why is this important to the Army'
U.S. Army designates the month of February to honor the service of African Americans in military and civil service. African American History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions that African Americans have made to the Army. Being a Soldier or Army civilian involves diverse opportunities and experiences not always available elsewhere - options that emotionally, morally, physically, professionally and economically challenge and empower people for life. The Army has created, sustains and protects a climate of equal opportunity for all and celebrates the expanding roles, responsibilities and economic opportunities for its African American members.
Resources:
<a href="http://www.army.mil/africanamericans/index.html" target="_blank"> African Americans in the U.S. Army</a>
<a href=" http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2010/01/28/" target="_blank"> STAND-TO! edition Jan. 28, 2010: "For Love of Liberty": Showcasing African Americans' Military Service</a>
<a href="http://www.forloveofliberty.org/" target="_blank">For Love of Liberty</a>
<a href="http://www.asalh.org/95thconvention.html" target="_blank"> Association for the Study of African American Life and History</a>
<a href="http://www.history.army.mil/html/topics/afam/index.html" target="_blank"> U.S. Army Center of Military History/African Americans in the Army</a>
<a href="http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2009/02/03/" target="_blank"> STAND-TO! edition Feb. 3, 2009: African American History Month </a>
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