Time Is Running Out To Commemorate A Historic Black History Month!

This year, Black History Month celebrations were on the heels of the historic inauguration of the nation's first African-American president. While this moment in American history was only possible because of the struggles of African-Americans from all walks of life who paved the way, a new survey known as the African American History 101 Survey shows that a large percentage of Americans are unaware of this uniquely American story. Conducted on behalf of the Washington, DC-based African American Experience Fund (AAEF) of the National Park Foundation, this survey revealed that Americans lack basic knowledge about African-American history, but are interested in learning more. Key survey highlights include:

One in three (32%) respondents did not know the subject matter of the landmark Supreme Court integration case, Brown v. Board of Education.
Only 14 percent of respondents correctly identified Carter G. Woodson as the founder of Negro History Week, which later became Black History Month. 36 percent did not know this fact, and 29 percent thought the founder was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A majority of Americans (57%) state they did not receive a comprehensive overview of African-American history in school. Fortunately, 61 percent of respondents state they would like to know more about African American history.

Established in 2001, the African American Experience Fund (AAEF) serves
as the only national fundraising organization of the congressionally chartered National Park Foundation that supports and preserves African American history found in our national parks. There are currently 19 historic sites, most near major cities. Sites such as the Dr. King Historic Site in Atlanta feature interactive exhibits while sites such as the Frederick Douglass Home in Washington D.C. boast informative tours.

For more information on The African American Experience Fund and its African American History 101 Survey contact Cynthia Lowery Morris at 202-354-6469 or Toni V. Martin at 678-884-4008 ext 716. (www.aaexperience.org)