This month marks the 35^th anniversary of Black History Month and while we have so much to celebrate, our country still has so much progress to make. What started in 1926 as Negro History Week and 50 years later transformed into Black History Month allows us to reflect on the history of African-American culture and the diaspora that has led to African-Americans living in nations across the globe.

Notable African-Americans from Illinois include President Barack Obama, who was sworn in as the 44^th president on January 20, 2009, and Carole Mosley Braun, the first black woman Senator serving from 1992–1998.

For more information on Black History Month please visit the following:

African American History Month at the Library of Congress- This year’s theme is “African Americans and the Civil War”

Biography Channel Celebrates Black History Month- Features biographies of notable African Americans in history included President Obama, Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackie Robinson, and Rosa Parks.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)- Receive daily updates about noteworthy, though often ignored, facts about black history. 

Illinois Senate Democrats Discuss Importance of Black History Month- Listen to the discussion that the impact of black history has had on elected officials from Illinois.