Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King, by his preaching, his example, and his leadership, helped to move us closer to the ideals on which America was founded.  The majesty of his message, the dignity of this bearing, and the righteousness of his cause are a lasting legacy.  He made it possible for our Nation to move closer to the ideals set forth in our Declaration of Independence.  That all people are created equal and are endowed with inalienable rights that government has the duty to respect and protect.  

In the month of February particularly, we recall the many Blacks who helped to shape Black history. Black History month is more than reminiscing on the suffering of Blacks.  It is a time to remember the stunning record of achievement against both odds and times.  Some of those achievements include the mingling with European notions of harmony to become blues, gospel, bebop, swing, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll.  Inventions such as the traffic light and preserving blood plasma have become part of American technology.  Let’s remember and then celebrate the accomplishments of Blacks.  

In every era of American history, women have braved enormous challenges to change our world for the better.  
Today American women serve at the highest levels of government, as Justices of the Supreme Court and in increasing numbers in the Cabinet and the United States Congress. As parents and partners, entrepreneurs and artists, politicians and scientists, women are continuing to help build an America in which all citizens, regardless of gender, are free to live out her dreams.

Asian Americans are made up of physically and culturally diverse groups with different languages, religions, customs and values.  Asian Pacific Islanders stem from two geographic categories-the Pacific Rim and the Pacific Basin.   These countries include China, India, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam.  The segment of this population is extremely rich, diverse and multi-cultural with influences stemming from almost as many European countries.

Hispanic Americans trace their ancestry to Latin America and Spain.  Included are Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Central and South America.  For many years Hispanics have been labeled as “one group” of people.  Yet this is not the truth.  Despite common assumptions, Hispanic Americans are distinct ethnic groups.  Each group can include white, black, red, or a mixture, has its own heritage, and may be Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, African or Indian spiritualist.  Hispanic Americans should be understood as they really are and for their valuable contributions they have offer our culture.

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, prohibits private employers,
state and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. 

The beauties of nature come in all colors.
The strengths of humankind come in different forms.
Every human being is wonderfully unique.
All contribute in different ways.
When we learn to honor the difference,
 and appreciate the mix, we find harmony.

-Author unknown

The “discovery” of the New World has been called the most important event in the history of the Old World.  It opened two continents to avid colonization by expansionist Europeans and revealed a multitude of peoples whose existence shook the foundations of European thought.  Let’s celebrate the “discovery”!