WHEREAS, Mr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in American Life in 1926; and

        WHEREAS, carrying on the tradition that Mr. Woodson began, Black History Month is observed to inform and educate our communities about the history of black men and women and the contributions they have made to American life and culture; and

        WHEREAS, the Mountain Home Community Black History Committee, created to commemorate and carry on this tradition, is celebrating its 20th year of existence; and

        WHEREAS, the members of this committee are to be commended for their 20 years of service to the Mountain Home community and the State of Idaho; and

        WHEREAS, the Mountain Home Community Black History Committee is dedicated to fostering civic, economic and educational programs throughout the State of Idaho; and

        WHEREAS, the theme of this year’s Black History Month is “Black History Progress in America”; and

        WHEREAS, The Honorable Brad Little, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Idaho, is welcomed to Mountain Home as the Mountain Home Community Black History Committee’s 20th keynote speaker; and

        WHEREAS, each year during Black History Month, we explore the history and culture of Black Americans, and we discover anew a treasure of history about the triumph of the human spirit; and

        WHEREAS, black history is an essential part of American history, and it is fitting that we set aside a special time to acknowledge this important segment of citizens of our state and our history;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim the month of February 2009, to be

B L A C K   H I S T O R Y   M O N T H

in Idaho, and I encourage all citizens to be aware of important contributions made by Black citizens throughout our great state and thank them for the part they play in our society.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho in Boise on this 13th day of February in the year of our Lord two-thousand and nine and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-third and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred nineteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE