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Celebrating Black History Month

February 4, 2016
E-Newsletter

Dear Friends,

This week marks the beginning of Black History Month – a time in which we acknowledge and honor the role of Black Americans in U.S. history.

The origins of Black History Month begin in 1915 when historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded an organization now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). In 1926, this group created “Negro History Week,” celebrated the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Over the years, this week-long celebration evolved into a month-long celebration. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, February has been officially designated as Black History Month by every U.S. president.

The Coachella Valley has a rich and distinguished history of Black American trailblazers. John Nobles was given land in the Coachella Valley in the 1930s, during a time when the sale of land to Black Americans was prohibited. The ranch he acquired eventually became a neighborhood with homes, apartments, churches, and stores, and his success helped fellow black pioneers settle into the Indio area. His legacy is honored by the mural painted at Dr. Carreon Park overlooking the Desert Gardens neighborhood (originally the John Nobles Ranch).

Mr. Freeman Stokes and Mr. Joseph Beaver are two Montford Point Marines, the first Black Marine unit in our history. I presented them the Congressional Gold Medal for their dedication and service to our nation. In an era of widespread inequality and second-class citizenship for far too many of our brothers and sisters, these men answered their nation’s call with the world at war. Mr. Stokes served in the Marine Corps for eleven years, both in World War II and the Korean War, before settling in Banning, where he has lived for over fifty years. Mr. Beaver, a Palm Springs resident, also served in World War II and then continued serving our nation through his activism during the civil rights movement. In 1985, he co-founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee in the City of Palm Springs to honor of Dr. King’s legacy by promoting character, dignity, and social justice here at home.

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Dr. Ruiz presents Congressional Gold Medal to Mr. Freeman Stokes (Left) and Mr. Joseph Beaver (Right).


As our country takes time to celebrate Black History Month, I remember these and all other important and influential Black Americans who altered our history and advanced humanity.

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Sincerely,
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Raul Ruiz, M.D.
Member of Congress