PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Dwayne McDuffie, who wrote comic books for Marvel and DC and co-founded his own publishing company before crossing over to television and animation, has died. He was 49.

The Detroit native died Feb. 21, a day after his birthday, DC Comics said. His cause and place of death weren't immediately known.

DWAYNE MCDUFFIE

Through local performances, speaking engagements, literature and film events in nine cities, the PNC Financial Services Group has been celebrating the storied history of African-Americans throughout the month of February.

PNC-sponsored programs and activities in recognition of Black History Month were held in Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Greater Maryland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.

DAUGHTER AND SON—Lynell Nunn and Bill Nunn III accept their father’s award from Chuck Cooper III. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

“From programs at neighborhood libraries and museums to partnerships with local sports teams, we’re recognizing Black History Month in ways that best represent the communities in which we live and work” said Marsha Jones, chief diversity officer, PNC. “Our hope is that these events will help bring together individuals, families, business leaders and PNC employees as they celebrate diversity and experience Black History Month locally.”

Week of February 26-March 4

February 26

CARTER G. WOODSON and GARRETT A. MORGAN

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.”

The 2012 budget proposal released by President Barack Obama Feb. 14 has shifted his administration’s focus away from averting the economic crisis. Perhaps in reaction to Republican and Tea Party voters, the budget will cut $1.1 trillion from the federal deficit over the next 10 years.

VALERIE JARRETT

“Having emerged from the worst recession in generations, the president has put forward a plan to rebuild our economy and win the future by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building our global competitors and creating the jobs and industries of tomorrow,” said Valerie Jarrett, White House senior adviser. “But we cannot rebuild our economy and win the future if we pass on a mountain of debt to our children and grandchildren. We must restore fiscal responsibility, and reform our government to make it more effective, efficient, and open to the American people.”