R 032030Z FEB 22
MARADMIN 040/22
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2022 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/J. R. DECLOUX/MAJ/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/DSN 278/EMAIL: JESSICA.DECLOUX@USMC.MIL//
POC/A. QUINONES/SGT/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/DSN 287/EMAIL: ANTHONY.QUINONES@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. National Black History Month is celebrated each year in the month of February. The 2022 observance theme is: “Black Health and Wellness.”
2. In 1926, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson launched the celebration of National Negro History Week. He chose the second week of February due to its proximity to the birthdays of famed orator and abolitionist Fredrick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the 50th year of celebration and the bicentennial year of the Nation’s independence, the observance expanded to include the whole month of February with the full support of President Gerald Ford. On 11 February 1986, Congress issued a joint resolution authorizing the president to proclaim annually the month of February as National Black History Month, officially codifying the celebration in law. Since 1986, presidents have issued proclamations, executive orders, and other guiding statements on National Black History Month to honor the achievements of Black Americans.
3. Black Americans have helped to shape the Marine Corps into its present form, enhancing its expeditionary warfighting posture through dedicated and unselfish service since World War II. Black Marines first entered our Corps with the establishment of Camp Montford Point in June 1942. Many of these original “Montford Point Marines” fought in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. These Marines are no strangers to our collective history. We honor their service by acknowledging those who have followed their legacy from SgtMaj Edgar R. Huff, Capt Frederick C. Branch, LtGen Frank E. Petersen, Col Gilda A. Jackson, and Medal of Honor recipient SgtMaj John L. Canley through today’s leaders. For more information on these leaders, Marine Corps history, or Medal of Honor recipients, visit the Library of the Marine Corps at grc-usmcu.libguides.com.
4. As a Service, we must take full advantage of the talents, strengths, skills, and perspectives of every Marine. Our talent management system and our leaders support this imperative of prioritizing diversity of thought, fostering inclusivity, and implementing policies that ensure equity across the force. During this observance month, commanders are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the invaluable service and selfless contributions of Black Americans – military, veteran, and civilian - to our country and Corps. Commanders are further encouraged to conduct online programs and to promote remote participation in observance events within their commands and across their local communities where onsite activities are not feasible during COVID-19 restrictions.
5. The Marine Corps is committed to living the values we defend and treating everyone with dignity and respect. As such, the Marine Corps takes pride in building strength through diversity and is dedicated to promoting a professional environment free from personal, social, or institutional barriers that prevent Marines from reaching their full potential.
6. Release authorized by BGen A. T. Williamson, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division.//