ALCOAST 023/19 - FEB 2019 NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

R 011455 FEB 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 023/19
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ:  NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
1. Throughout our Nation’s history, African Americans from all walks of
life including inventors, scientists, military members, astronauts,
actors/actresses, politicians, sports figures, and many others have made
extraordinary and invaluable contributions to the American social fabric.
Each year a theme is chosen to observe the past and present achievements of
these Americans. The theme for 2019,  “Black Migrations,” emphasizes the
movement of people of African descent to new destinations and subsequently
to new social realities.
2. When the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, less than 8 percent
of the African American population lived in the Northeast or Midwest. A
historical exodus from the South occurred between 1879 and 1881 when
approximately 60,000 African Americans moved into Kansas or settled in the
Oklahoma Indian Territories in search of social and economic freedom. By
1900 about 90 percent of all African-Americans resided in the South; and by
1940 and continuing through 1970, "Black Migrations" had  transformed the
nation's African American population from a predominately southern, rural group
to a northern, urban one and thereby, solidifying migration from the South as a
significant component of black history.
3. In our service, beginning in the early decades of the twentieth century,
opportunities opened for further advancement of African Americans as members
relocated to communities to gain acceptance to the Coast Guard and garner
assignments to afloat and land-based units. Today, more than 2200 active duty
personnel and 1400 civilian employees of African American descent serve in the
U.S. Coast Guard.
4. We salute all African American civilian and military personnel, who for
more than 225 years have provided and continue to offer rich enculturation that
helps render our Coast Guard ready, relevant and responsive in our multi-mission
roles.
5. All units and commands are encouraged to take time this month to honor and
recognize the numerous accomplishments and contributions that African Americans
have made and continue to make to our Service, our communities, and our Nation.
6. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Director, Civil Rights Directorate, sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.