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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | FEBRUARY 2023 47 Black History Month Matters — February is Black History Month It is a time to celebrate African American culture and recognize its role in shaping American life. As Americans over 50, we have lived through extraordinary moments in history. We have seen breakthroughs in civil rights, the election of our first Black President, and much more. Every February, it is always good to reflect on the incredible feats and achievements that African Americans have made throughout history. From Harriet Tubman's selfless effort to free over 300 slaves through the underground railroad, to former U.S. Representative John Lewis's incredible courage during the civil rights movement, African Americans have done remarkable things. We should remember the time when Rosa Parks bravely defied segregation laws or reflect on how Maya Angelou, an American Memoirist and poet, inspired us all with her words. These extraordinary individuals leave behind legacies we can learn from, and we should honor them and others so their stories do not get lost in the pages of history. Here are some interesting facts that you may not know about Black Americans. • Free African Americans have been contributing to the U.S. economy since the 1790s. • During the Civil War from 1861-1865, over 200,000 African Americans served in the Union Army. • Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, a prominent African American historian, founded Black History Month in 1926. • In 1959, Ruby Bridges was the first Black student to attend an integrated public school. • In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and encouraged all Americans to participate in its celebration. • From 2007, the number of Black-owned businesses has increased by 34 percent. As we celebrate Black History month, let us reflect on why this special month matters for us as we look back with perspective at how far we have come since the age of segregation and civil unrest in this country. The African American Cultural Club's next meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 6 at 6 pm at The Lodge. Come and join us! Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Wanda Valentine at (951) 544-1606. ~ Regina Thomas African American Cultural Club Our next free event is Saturday, March 18 at 10 am. Check the Activities Blast for the topic as we get closer. On May 20, we will host a home garden tour so that you can visit and experience all sizes and types of successful gardens by your Four Seasons neighbors. Tickets are only $5 and each home will have an ambassador on hand to share highlights of each garden. Thank you to Mona Swinehart for chairing this sub-committee and thank you to our members who volunteered to help organize this event: Bonnie Makela, Diane Gray, Karen Evans, Margi Spies, Nancy Justice, Pam Morales, Patti Pitts, and Patti Stone. For info or suggestions for future topics, please contact pwayne1@outlook.com. ~ Pat Wayne Community Garden Club Historian, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, (1875-1950) is known today as the Father of Black History Six-year-old Ruby Bridges and friends