2017 NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH OBSERVANCE
Date Signed: 1/23/2017 | MARADMINS Number: 040/16
MARADMINS : 040/16
231925Z JAN 17
MARADMIN 040/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2017 NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH OBSERVANCE//
POC/M. J. SHEPPARD/CIV/UNIT: MPE/-/TEL: (703)784-9371/TEL: DSN 278-9371/TEL: COMM (703)784-9371//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. In 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244 which designated February 1986 as "National Black (Afro-American) History Month.” This law noted that February 1, 1986 would mark the beginning of the sixtieth annual public and private salute to African American History, as its origins trace back to 1915, when noted African American historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Through this organization Dr. Woodson initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926.  We now celebrate our 91st annual observance of African American History Month. The theme of the 2017 African American History Month is “The Crisis in Black Education.” 
2. The opportunity for African-Americans to enlist and serve in the Marine Corps came in 1942 as the Corps began to recruit qualified African-American men. The men who enlisted in response completed recruit training at Montford Point, North Carolina during a time and place where racism and segregation were a part of everyday life.  Between 1942 and 1949, approximately 20,000 African-American men completed recruit training and became known as the “Montford Point Marines.” Despite the challenges presented to those Montford Point Marines, their valor and performance at the epochs of our Marine Corps legacy — Peleliu, Iwo Jima, the Chosen Reservoir, Vietnam, and more —paved the way for our present integrated armed forces. 
3.  On Nov. 23, 2011, President Barack Obama signed into law the legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines, recognizing Montford Point Marines' contributions to the Marine Corps and the United States of America from 1942 to 1949.  This past November, Dr. Ernest Harris was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his unwavering perseverance and courage as a Montford Point Marine that inspired change in the Marine Corps. 
4.  Education plays a critical role in advancement and realizing opportunities.  After fulfilling his obligation to the Marine Corps, Dr. Ernest Harris, using his G.I. Bill, finished college at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry.  He then earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Minnesota and holds a doctorate in entomology from the University of Hawaii. He worked for more than 40 years as a research entomologist for the U. S. Department of Agriculture and is known for the sterilization of fruit flies, which allowed fruit to be exported all over the world.  His contributions have impacted global commerce for good.
5.  Addressing the crisis in black education should be considered one of the most important goals in America’s past, present, and future.   Dr. Harris’ service to Corps and country fueled his desire to learn and grow and afforded him the opportunity to pursue his education, which provided him the access and capability to succeed and to positively impact our world.  All Marines are encouraged to follow a similar path.  Recognizing and enriching our understanding of the history of African Americans is to broaden our knowledge of our nation’s history and the opportunities beyond, as the two are inextricably linked. 
6.  During National African American History Month, commanders are encouraged to take the time to recognize and celebrate the dedicated service and contributions of African Americans, both past and present.  Commanders are further encouraged to conduct programs and promote participation in observance of events at their commands and in the local community.
7.  Release authorized by SES M. R. Strobl, Division Director, Manpower Plans and Policy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Acting.//