ALCOAST 040/12 announces African American History Month for February 2012. This year's theme "Black Women in American Culture and History" honors African American women and the myriad of roles they played in the shaping of our nation. The theme, chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History urges all Americans to study and reflect on the value of their contribution to the nation. For more information on African American History Month visit http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/index.html.

Historical Information on African-Americans in the Coast Guard and its predecessor services can be seen at the U.S. Coast Guard Historian's page at African-Americans and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Follow up:

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SUBJ: AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

1. Shipmates, February 2012 marks the 86th annual observance of African American history month. This month is an opportunity to reflect on African American contributions to the Coast Guard and our nation’s history. The theme for this year’s observance is "Black Women in American Culture and History."

2. African American women have served in the Coast Guard in uniform since 1945, when Olivia Hooker, D. Winifred Byrd, Julia Mosey, Yvonne Cumberbatch, and Aileen Cooke entered the SPARS, the WWII-era women’s reserve. They overcame significant challenges and opened doors for others to serve and follow in their footsteps. Since then, African American women have served with distinction in enlisted and officer ranks throughout the Coast Guard, in all specialties. This month is an opportunity to reflect on those African American women who served in the past, serve today, and are preparing the Coast Guard for the future.

3. African Americans have made significant contributions throughout the Coast Guard’s 220 year history. You can learn more about their service by visiting the Coast Guard historian’s web site at http://www.uscg.mil/history/minoritiesindex.asp.

4. Coast Guard units and commands are encouraged to take time during February to recognize the accomplishments and contributions that African Americans, and in particular African American women, have made and continue to make to our service and our nation.

5. SEMPER PARATUS.

6. ADM BOB PAPP, COMMANDANT, SENDS.
7. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.