WASHINGTON: CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF BLACK PENNSYLVANIANS


Washington

          HARRISBURG, February 9– In honor of Black History Month, State Sen. LeAnna Washington (D-Phila./Montgomery) is urging constituents to visit her website, www.senatorwashington.com, and learn about the achievements of prominent African-Americans who were born or forged their legacy in Pennsylvania.

          “This month we celebrate the struggles and the victories of African-Americans in America, as well as, their marks on culture, society, education, science, and government,” Washington said. “I hope that you will visit my website and learn about those African-Americans who were born or made their mark right here in Pennsylvania.”

          Carter Goodwin Woodson, an African-American historian, created “Negro History Week” on February 7, 1926. The name was changed to “Black History Week” in the 1960s during the American civil rights movement. The event was expanded to “Black History Month” in 1976.

          “Many notable African-Americans have historical ties to Pennsylvania, from C. Delores Tucker to Bill Cosby,” Washington said.  “Black History is Pennsylvania History.”