HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett has proclaimed February as Black History Month in Pennsylvania, recognizing the significant role African American residents continue to play in Pennsylvania's economic, cultural, spiritual and political development.

The national theme for this year's observance is "Black Women in American Culture in History."

A number of state agencies today celebrated Black History Month with a special program in Harrisburg. The event paid tribute to local and statewide African-American women who have made a difference in their communities, including C. Delores Tucker, who broke racial barriers in Pennsylvania state government, and Patricia Gadsden of Harrisburg, who has dedicated her life to helping black women develop self-esteem and preparing them for leadership roles.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Liquor Control Board, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the departments of State, Community and Economic Development, General Services, Revenue, Aging, Health, Public Welfare, Banking and Labor & Industry participated in today's event.

The Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs (GACAAA) also sponsored the event. The commission works to ensure the state's policies, procedures and legislation are reflective of the concerns of African Americans. It also serves as Governor Corbett's liaison to African American organizations statewide.

Media contact: Karen Stokes, GACAAA, 215-560-2640

Editor's Note: The text of Governor Corbett's proclamation follows.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH -- February 2012

WHEREAS, Black History Month grew out of the establishment, in 1926, of Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History; and

WHEREAS, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History designates the theme for the month-long celebration; and

WHEREAS, the national theme for this year's observance is "Black Women in American Culture and History"; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is home to more than 1.4 million African Americans currently and, throughout history, many have played significant roles in the history of Pennsylvania's economic, cultural, spiritual and political development while working to maintain and promote their culture and history; and

WHEREAS, against what could be viewed as insurmountable odds, African Americans have overcome many struggles to realize their dreams and aspirations; and

WHEREAS, those dreams are inextricably tied to inclusion in the economic prosperity of this commonwealth and this country.

THEREFORE, in special recognition of the rich history of African Americans in our commonwealth, I, Tom Corbett, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim February 2012 BLACK HISTORY MONTH in Pennsylvania. I encourage all citizens to celebrate this important observance and to continue to work toward the goal of liberty and justice for all.

Tom Corbett, Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

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