Hello Everyone,
Evelyn here,
As February is Black History month below is a message from Governor Crist taken in part from his “Note from the Capital.”
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Dear Friends, This week marks the first week of Black History Month. In Florida, we will honor those African-American pioneers who have opened doors to scientific, artistic, economic and social success. We applaud their determination and triumph. Every generation has the opportunity to draw strength and inspiration from these courageous heroes.
This week, I visited the Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum in St. Petersburg, where I spoke to students about the importance of celebrating the cultural diversity that makes our state so great. This month, I encourage you to explore the events and people that have contributed to Florida's black history. As a starting point for your exploration, visit the Web site we have created, www.floridablackhistory.com. It features information about Florida's black artists, writers, scientists and engineers. You can also learn more about events and other news regarding Black History Month. Later this month, I will recognize the student winners of the Black History Month Essay Contest, and three outstanding African-American educators. In the Governor's Gallery in the Capitol, are 26 paintings of Florida landscape by the Highwaymen artists. Beginning in the 1950s, the Highwaymen artists sold their paintings – often still wet – along the side of Florida's highways. The heritage of black Floridians is intertwined with every part of our state's history. It is a heritage every Floridian should appreciate – during Black History Month, and throughout the year. Thank you and God bless Florida. Above: Governor Crist visits the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African-American Museum in St. Petersburg with students of the Yvonne C. Reed Christian School. The museum is named for Dr. Carter Woodson, a son of former slaves who is respected by many as the father of Black History Month for launching Negro History Week in 1926. For more information regarding the Black History Month, visit http://www.floridablackhistory.com./ Above left: Governor Crist congratulates 2008 Teacher of the YearRichard Ellenburg, a science teacher at Camelot Elementary School in Orange County. Bottom left: While addressing the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Governor Crist discusses his strategies for developing clean technology as an economic development engine.
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Evelyn out
