PRINCE HALL

February 26-March 4

February 26

1920—Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) founds the first nationally organized celebration of Black American history then called Negro History Week which was first celebrated on this day in 1926. Woodson scheduled the week to coincide with the birthdays of Civil War President Abraham Lincoln and Black abolitionist Frederick Douglas. However, in 1976, Negro History Week was expanded into the current day Black History Month. For his efforts in promoting knowledge of Black historical achievements Woodson became known as the “Father of Black History.” In explaining the need for the celebration, Woodson once said, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

by William McCall

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)—Aaron Campbell had been drinking at his apartment and was upset about the death of his brother after a long illness when he found himself exchanging a text message with a Portland police officer.

“Aaron, we need to know if you intend on hurting yourself,” the message read.

CITIZENS AND CLERGY PROTEST—Members and supporters of the Albina Ministerial Alliance gather on the steps of the Justice Center in Portland, Ore., Feb. 11.

The 25-year-old Campbell responded: “Never.” Then he added, with a sense of humor: “wow, u guys text too. u get kudos.”

by Darlene Superville

WASHINGTON (AP)—Michelle Obama, the president’s wife, told student essay contest winners from London on Feb. 18 that they have shown they are not afraid of the hard work that will take them somewhere in life.

ESSAY WINNERS—First lady Michelle Obama meets with students from schools across the London borough of Islington, at the White House in Washington, Feb. 18, who were rewarded with a trip to the United States sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in London for winning a Black History Month essay competition.

“What you’re doing is laying that foundation,” she said at the White House. “You’re demonstrating to your families, to your teachers, to your communities that you’re ready to put in the work and be serious and be focused.

LONDON (AP)—Model Naomi Campbell hosted a charity gala Feb. 18 on the eve of London Fashion Week to raise money for mothers and babies in Haiti. The “Fashion for Relief” show featured models from fashion, music, film and TV, and designs by Vivienne Westwood, Dolce & Gabbana and others.

NAOMI CAMPBELL

The relief effort also includes proceeds from the auction of eight special edition Lotus cars donated by the carmaker. One was auctioned at the gala. The others will be auctioned online, with bidding open until Feb. 28.