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JBSA News
NEWS | Feb. 1, 2022

JBSA celebrates Black History Month

By Maria F. Rodriguez Affirmative Employment Program Manager, 802nd Force Support Squadron

Black History Month is held throughout February and members of Joint Base San Antonio are encouraged to celebrate.

African American/Black History Month was established by Public Law 99-244 and can trace its origins back to 1915 when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This organization is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, or ASALH.

In 1976, this commemoration of black history in the United States was expanded by ASALH to Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, and President Gerald Ford issued the first Message on the Observance of Black History Month that year.

In subsequent years, Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan and each subsequent president continued to issue messages honoring African American History Month.

“The foremost purpose of Black History Month is to make all Americans aware of this struggle for freedom and equal opportunity,” Reagan said in his proclamation in 1986. “This month is a time to celebrate the many achievements of African Americans in every field from science and the arts to politics and religion.”

In observance of Black History Month, or BHM, Joint Base San Antonio is displaying BHM posters across Joint Base San Antonio. Black History Month posters will be displayed at JBSA Military and Family Readiness Centers as well as JBSA libraries.  

Visitors to the above-mentioned locations are encouraged to follow COVID-19 health and safety measures, including practicing physical distancing.

For more information, contact the JBSA Civilian Personnel Section at 210-221-1408 or email usaf.jbsa.502-abw.mbx.jbsa-fsh-cps@mail.mil.