February is Black History Month and there are many ways to participate in the recognition. In the Washington, DC area there are several special events and while we are a few weeks away it pays to plan to attend the events early as they are very popular and in some cases sold out. The Smithsonian, the National Archives, the DC Library and various historic sites in Arlington will all have special programs and you should visit their sites for updates and announcements.
This year will welcome in highly planned and more vigorous events at the Lincoln Memorial in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Abraham Lincoln signed the proclamation on January 1, 1863. The US Postal Service released the first of a series of planned special commemorative stamps on January 2. The first one limited edition stamp was to commemorate the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the other two will be released later in the year and will commemorate the March on Washington and Rosa Parks. These are limited edition stamps with special first day release sheets of the stamps and other items which can be purchased at the USPS Web site or through your local post office.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial will be holding special events to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. There will also be special events held nationwide at most colleges, museums and other venues. Even if you are not able to participate in the DC area there are likely many events to be held near your own town.
Another special event will be held on February 23rd aboard the Spirit of Washington. There will be a special “Black History Month Lunch Cruise”. The music featured on the cruise will be centered on celebrating african american music artists which will involve both live music and that offered by a DJ. It is sure to be a special event.
As February draws nearer we will share more detailed information with you on upcoming events including those that will involve CAISO. We hope you will come back and visit us often for this information and much more!
View the unveiling of the Emancipation Proclamation Commemorative Stamp Event:
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