February is celebrated as the Black history month. Historian, author and journalist, Carter G Woodson (1875-1950) is known as the “Father of Black History”. He believed that equality was only possible with the acknowledgement and understanding of a race’s history and he ensured that students would learn Black history. He also believed that a time would come when Black History Month would be unnecessary. He started the Negro History Week in 1926 which eventually grew into Black History Month in 1976. In the words of Dr. Theodore R. Johnson, “Since its inception, Black History Month has never been just a celebration of black America’s achievements and stories, it’s part of a deliberate political strategy to be recognized as equal citizens.” President Biden’s message that was released yesterday states, “Our Nation was founded on an idea:  that all of us are created equal and deserve to be treated with equal dignity throughout our lives.  It is a promise we have never fully lived up to but one that we have never, ever walked away from.  The long shadows of slavery, Jim Crow, and redlining — and the blight of systemic racism that still diminishes our Nation today — hold America back from reaching our full promise and potential.  But by facing those tragedies openly and honestly and working together as one people to deliver on America’s promise of equity and dignity for all, we become a stronger Nation — a more perfect version of ourselves.”

The Washington State Patrol celebrates Black History month and the contributions and experiences of all members of the Washington State Patrol.  Today the WSP hosted its inaugural meeting of an Employee Resource Group to provide a platform for all Black employees and allies to discuss their shared experiences and help the agency identify, address, and bridge inequities.  Throughout the month of February the WSP will be presenting stories on our social media platforms of WSP employees regarding the significance Black History month to them. The 2022 National focus for Black History month is Black Health and Wellness.  All employees are encouraged to visit the DEI webpage to watch a short video on pioneers in health and wellness of the black community.