R 011115Z FEB 24
MARADMIN 047/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA//
SUBJ/2024 NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH//
REF/A/PUBLIC LAW 99-244/11FEB1986//
NARR/REF A IS PUBLIC LAW ON NATIONAL BLACK (AFRO-AMERICAN) HISTORY MONTH//
POC/A. A. BONNER/CIV/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/TEL: DSN 278/EMAIL: AARON.A.BONNER.CIV@USMC.MIL//
POC/J. L. OLVER/MAJ/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/TEL: DSN 278/EMAIL: JESUSAH.OLVER@USMC.MIL//
POC/E. C. HABIB/CAPT/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/TEL: DSN 278/EMAIL: EVAN.HABIB@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  National Black History Month is celebrated each year during the month of February.  The 2024 National Black History Month observance theme is “African Americans and the Arts.”  Additional information can be found at https:(slash)(slash)www.defenseculture.mil/Special-Observances/.
2.  In 1926, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson launched the celebration of National Negro History Week to be observed during the second week of February.  This was to place it in proximity of the birthdays for Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in the fabric of African American history.  On the 50th Anniversary of the observance of what would be known as Black History month, President Gerald Ford expanded the commemoration from one week to one month.  On February 11, 1986, Congress issued a joint resolution to codify Black History month into law.  Presidents have continued to issue guidance and proclamations during Black History Month recognizing and honoring the important achievements and contributions of African Americans.
3. This year, we also reflect more specifically on the impact that African American Marines have made through art. Marines throughout history shared their art while serving in organizations like the Emmy-award-winning Marine Band, founded on July 11, 1798, by an Act of Congress; military occupational specialties that capture Marines’ stories through visual information like combat videographers, photographers, and graphics specialists; or programs like the Marine Corps Combat Art Program, which can be traced back to 1942 and is currently managed by the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia.
4. Every Marine artist, whether through music, visual arts, or another genre, explores human expression within our people-centric service. Marines like Warrant Officer Akeel Austin, a multi-award winner in the 2022 Department of Defense Media Awards, have kept Americans informed about what their Marines are doing at home and overseas through his art. Images of training, combat operations, and everyday life are powerful reminders of our Corps’ evolution, strength, and legacy. The Marines’ Hymn is a musical production so moving that it has commanded the attention of global audiences since before the First World War and remains our common lyrical thread. It is important that we celebrate these forms of storytelling and the contributions of our Marines who share perspectives in a uniquely compelling way.
5.  Throughout February, commanders are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the service and selfless contributions of African Americans to our nation.  Commanders are further encouraged to conduct observance events within their command programs and across their local communities.
6.  The Marine Corps remains committed to promoting the values we defend and treating everyone with dignity and respect.  We derive strength through teamwork and integrity and remain dedicated to promoting a professional environment that enhances personal and professional development so Marines may reach their full potential.
7. Release authorized by Lieutenant General James F. Glynn, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//