In the centuries since African-Americans first arrived on our shores, they have known the bitterness of slavery and oppression, the hope of progress, and the triumph of the American Dream. African-American history is an essential thread of the American narrative that traces our nation’s enduring struggle to perfect itself. Each February, we recognize African American History Month as a moment to reflect upon how far we have come as a Nation, and what challenges remain.

WASHINGTON  (NNPA)—Former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder has offered harsh criticism on the Obama White House, saying that if the president is to fulfill his dream of effecting change for America, he has to up the ante on his leadership skills—and fire some of his key players.

Wilder is a Democrat and the first African-American to be elected governor of a U.S. state. He also once aspired to lead the nation as a 1992 presidential hopeful.

LAS VEGAS (AP)—A 22-year-old Virginia woman who said she once thought her only talent was singing is the newest Miss America, emerging from a field of 53 contestants.

Caressa Cameron, a broadcast journalism student at Virginia Commonwealth University, now plans a second year away from college as she travels extensively to raise money for charity and carry the 89-year-old pageant’s crown.

HERE SHE IS—Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron reacts after being crowned Miss America Jan. 30 at The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Actresses Carey Mulligan, Kristen Stewart, Abbie Cornish, Mia Wasikowska, Amanda Seyfried, Rebecca Hall, Emma Stone, Evan Rachel Wood and Anna Kendrick—all White-appear on the cover of the magazine.

CONTROVERSIAL COVER—The lack of any actresses of color on the cover of Vanity Fair’s Hollywood issue has drawn criticism.