The Black History National Theme and Department of Defense Theme for 2008 is: Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism.

It is fitting that we honor Dr. Carter G. Woodson for this year theme since we owe the celebration of Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of black history, to him. What you might not know is that black history had barely begun to be studied-or even documented-when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America at least as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the history books.

Born to parents who were former slaves, he spent his childhood working in the Kentucky coal mines and enrolled in high school at age twenty. He graduated within two years and later went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. The scholar was disturbed to find in his studies that history books largely ignored the black American population-and when blacks did figure into the picture, it was generally in ways that reflected the inferior social position they were assigned at the time. Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as "Negro History Week" and later as "Black History Month.”

During his lifetime, Dr. Woodson developed an important philosophy of history which rings as true today as it did decades ago.  History, he insisted, "was not the mere gathering of facts. The object of historical study is to arrive at a reasonable interpretation of the facts. History is more than political and military records of peoples and nations. It must include some description of the social conditions of the period being studied."

Woodson's work endures in the institutions and activities he founded and promoted. In 1915, he and several friends in Chicago established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. The following year, the Journal of Negro History appeared, one of the oldest learned journals in the United States. In 1926, he developed Negro History Week and in 1937 published the first issue of the Negro History Bulletin.

Dr. Woodson often said that he hoped the time would come when Negro History Week would be unnecessary; when all Americans would willingly recognize the contributions of Black Americans as a legitimate and integral part of the history of this country.

Throughout DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam we recognize the importance of cultural diversity everyday.  From our educational leaders to our teachers and support staff our goal is to promote diversity within our schools.  Each year we recruit the very best teachers who are representative of our diverse communities. 

I encourage all DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam employees to take advantage of the many opportunities to celebrate and reflect on the accomplishments of African American leaders who have helped to make our country what it is today. African American history is -- and always has been -- a vital part of American society. As we have witnessed living overseas, learning about and understanding cultural differences are important aspects in the concept of education and, essentially, America.