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.”

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.”

The Week of February 19-25:

February 19

1919—The “first” Pan African Congress is held bringing together prominent blacks from throughout the world to chart a program for Black unity and betterment. African-American scholar and activist W.E.B. DuBois was the chief organizer. The gathering was held in Paris, France and drew 57 distinguished delegates including 16 from the United States, 14 from Africa and others from the Caribbean, South America and Europe. (The 1919 Congress is considered by many the “first” but another such Congress had been organized in 1900.)

TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

1940—Smokey Robinson is born William Robinson in Detroit, Mich. He formed “The Miracles” in 1955 while still in high school. With his voice and poetry of song, Robinson led The Miracles as the group became one of the all-time best record sellers for Barry Gordy’s Motown music empire.

1942—The Tuskegee Airmen are activated for service in World War II. The all-Black pursuit squadron, later designated 99th Fighter Squadron, was organized and trained at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The squadron served with honors in Europe. During the war, the nearly 1,000 pilots who had been trained flew 15,000 sorties, destroyed 1,000 German aircraft and earned more than 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses.