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40 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MARCH 2022 Last month was Black History Month. Black History Month is the expansion of Negro History Week. Negro History Week began as African-American history lessons in a few public schools; as support and interest grew, it expanded. In the 50 years that followed, many organizations across America began to observe week-long celebrations during Negro History Week. More and more cities began to recognize and officially call the second week of February Negro History Week. During the civil rights movement, more people became aware of the mistreatment, tribulations, and triumphs of African Americans, resulting in more people celebrating Negro History Week. As seven-day celebrations became month-long celebrations, The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History expanded the recognition to Black History Month. In 1970, Kent State University observed Black History Month; six years later, President Gerald Ford officially recognized it as a part of the American Bicentennial. President Ford urged citizens to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout history." Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton issued their own proclamations, recognizing Black History Month as a national observance. Every president has recognized Black History Month since 1996. In 2016, President Barack Obama said, in part, "Black History Month is about the lived, shared experiences of all African- Americans and how those experiences have shaped, challenged, and ultimately strengthened America." We hope you joined The African American Cultural Club last month as we celebrated our rich culture and African-American history. Our Black History Month festivities included a celebration at our February meeting and Black film showings with discussion afterward. The remainder of 2022 includes activities and events designed to highlight our history and share our culture. Some of the events are listed below. Please mark your calendars, check future Breeze articles, and see the Daily Report for additional information. • Juneteenth Celebration, Friday, June 17 • AACC 10-Year Celebration Party, Saturday, Aug. 13 • Jazz Under the Stars, Sunday, Oct. 2 • AACC Christmas Gala, Friday, Dec. 16 We meet the first Monday of the month at 6 pm in The Lodge Game Room. All are invited to attend and learn more about African- American culture. Our next meeting will be on Monday, March 7. If you have any questions, please contact Wanda Valentine at (951) 544-1606. ~ Jane Gentry African American Cultural Club Four Seasons Veterans Park The Veterans Park will formally be dedicated on March 29 which is the National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Our Four Seasons Beaumont staff have painted over 220 rocks with the names of Veterans past and present. During the ceremony, attendees will be asked to place these markers under the tree representing their service branch. A live band will add to the program as will the raising of the flag over the park. Veterans and their supporters are all invited to participate. The flags will tell the story of the Vietnam War in the jungles and on the home front. The songs they sang, the battles they fought, and the memories they carry will be highlighted. Our Veterans Club meets the third Thursday each month in The Lodge at 11:30 am and is open to all resident Veterans and their supporters. On a separate note, last year the California legislature approved and the governor signed a bill allowing Veterans who chose to be cremated may be covered by an American flag during the cremation. The flag must be one due to be retired. Any resident with a flag due to be retired may deliver it to The Lodge. I will collect them for proper retirement. ~ Len Tavernetti, ltavernetti@hotmail.com Above: AACC members and guests enjoy a game of Black History trivia

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