Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today proclaimed the month of February as "African American History Month" in New York City in recognition of the extraordinary contributions that African Americans have made to New York City and the nation. The Mayor presented the proclamation to Mr. Michael Cogswell, Director of the Louis Armstrong House and Archives at an African American History Month ceremony and reception hosted by the Mayor at the Surrogate's Court building in Lower Manhattan
The Mayor and Mr. Cogswell were joined by Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington, New York City Sheriff Teresa Mason, Bob Watson, General Manager of the 1996 World Champion New York Yankees and Reverend Betty Neal, of the Ministers of Harlem, USA.
"I'm proud to be here to celebrate African American History Month and to honor the many contributions and achievements that African Americans have made, and continue to make to our City," Mayor Giuliani said. "Every February, New York reflects on and celebrates the many accomplishments that New Yorkers of different ethnic and racial backgrounds have made to our City."The Mayor also honored the late jazz legend and former Queens resident Louis Armstrong. "Louis Armstrong's contributions to American culture extend far beyond his accomplishments as a jazz instrumentalist," the Mayor said. "His style influenced countless singers, including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday. Despite all of the achievements and recognition Louis Armstrong garnered throughout his life, he remained humble and unpretentious, making his home in the working-class neighborhood of Corona. Armstrong bought the house in 1943 and lived there with his wife Lucille until his death in 1971."
On weekdays during the month of February, mementos and photographs from the Louis Armstrong Archives will be on display in the gallery of the Tweed Courthouse at 52 Chambers Street in Lower Manhattan, just behind City Hall. The Louis Armstrong Archive is located at the Rosenthal Library at Queens College in Flushing. For more information on the Archives or the soon to be opened Louis Armstrong House please call (718) 997-3670.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in 1926 to recognize the legacy of African Americans. It was Dr. Woodson's wish that all Americans would be reminded of their ethnic roots and would develop a mutual respect for people of diverse backgrounds. The month of February was chosen because it was the month in which Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were born.
In 1976, the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History changed the name to Black History Month and expanded the week-long celebration to an entire month.
Tonight's event was sponsored by Con Edison, Heineken USA, Sylvia's, Dallas BBQ, Rib Shack and Cafe Beulah.