January 22, 2008

INDIANA BULLETIN NO. IN 230-8-1

SUBJECT: EOP – Black History Month

Purpose: To provide information on Black History Month

Expiration Date: September 30, 2008

February is celebrated as Black History month. It is the month in which we bear witness to the progress, richness, and diversity of African American achievement. During the 1920’s an African American named Carter G. Woodson created and promoted Negro History Week. February was chosen because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976 the month-long celebration was implemented. It is a time for Americans to reflect on both the history and teaching of African Americans whose contributions are still too little known.

The theme for the 2008 Black History Month is “Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism”. This year’s theme honors the labors of Woodson and others who have pioneered diversity in America. America has always been a landscape peopled by diverse ethnic and racial groups and today virtually all peoples are represented. If America has always been racially and ethnically diverse, the nation’s self-image has not always recognized its multicultural history. The multiculturalism of our times is built on the intellectual and institutional labors of Carter G. Woodson and the association he established.  He should be known not simply as the Father of Black History, but as a pioneer of multiculturalism as well.

NRCS employees are a microcosm of the racial and ethnic diversity of America. It is this diversity that in some respect is our strength. It is important for all of us to learn about the heritage and culture of the people we work with daily. Through understanding the differences in each culture, we can work together to improve service to our customers and employees.

Our Black Emphasis Program Manager has put together a number of links to sites that offer an array of information on the history, culture and contributions of African Americans. I hope you will take a little time and visit some of these sites. Check out the “February is Black History Month” link on the in.nrcs.usda.gov homepage. If you have plans to be in the State Office during the month of February, I invite you to take a moment to view our Black History display along with the informational materials.

If you have any questions about Black History Month, please contact Bennie Clark, Jr., NRCS Black Emphasis Program Manager, at 317-290-3200, x394 or by e-mail at Bennie.Clark@in.usda.gov.

/s/

JANE E. HARDISTY

State Conservationist

DIST: O