February is African American History Month

Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta, both wearing garlands, are received by admirers in New Delhi, India, February 10, 1959. (AP Images)

February 8: The American Consulate General Chennai joins in paying tribute to the achievement and contributions that African Americans have made in American history. This year’s theme, “The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas,” is an opportunity to explore the issue of race and citizenship in the United States. This year also marks the centennial of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), an interracial organization that has been at the forefront in seeking equality for all African Americans.

In commemoration of African American History Month, the U.S. Department of State is sponsoring a series of events in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata scheduled from February 15 – 26 to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1959 visit to India.  Participating in the program are Dr. King’s eldest son, Martin Luther King III, U.S. House of Representative John Lewis, and Grammy Award winner jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock. 

• The Maulana Azad Memorial Lecture by Martin Luther King III, New Delhi, February 17, 2009 (PDF 106kb)
• Presidential Proclamation on National African American History Month
• Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's Remarks on the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Visit to India (PDF 96kb)