Press Release Archives #050-01 - MAYOR GIULIANI CELEBRATES AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2001

Release # 050-01

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter
212-788-2958

MAYOR GIULIANI CELEBRATES AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

Declares February African American History Month In New York City

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today celebrated African American History Month in New York City at a ceremony and reception at the Surrogate's Courthouse in Lower Manhattan. During the ceremony Mayor Giuliani presented Sybil F. Chester, Market Development and Corporate Affairs Manager at Schieffelin & Somerset Company, a New York City--based wine and spirits importer, with a proclamation in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the African/Caribbean American communities.

"It's wonderful to join together today to celebrate this month-long tribute to the history of African Americans and to recognize their many contributions and achievements," said Mayor Giuliani. "Every February, all New Yorkers reflect on and celebrate the rich legacy of New Yorkers of African descent. New York City is the Capital of The World because New York is the most diverse City in the world, and African American History Month gives us all a chance to learn more about our proud common heritage of diversity.

"Every year, this month also offers us a chance to honor individuals whose personal courage and good character stand as inspirations for our youth," the Mayor continued. "In the spirit of honoring African Americans whose hard work and creativity have made our City a better place for all New Yorkers, it is my pleasure to present Sybil Chester with this proclamation in recognition of her numerous contributions to the African/Caribbean American communities."

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 that people of diverse backgrounds would develop a mutual respect. 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 weeklong celebration to an entire month.

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