Feb. 2, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Andre Nabors
304-558-2288, ext. 329
anabors@callwva.com

Gov. Wise, W.Va. State College president Carter open Black History Month

CHARLESTON -- Gov. Bob Wise on Monday helped kick off Black History Month with a ceremony in the Governor's Reception Room at the Capitol.

“We have so much history to be proud of in West Virginia, and I want to make sure we continue to learn about it,” Wise said. “Today, I am unveiling the preliminary plans for the state’s new African-American Heritage Trail. These sites give faces, names and heritage to our discussions and provide a starting point for continuing education about the value of diversity in the
state.”

Wise also presented Dr. Hazo W. Carter Jr., president of West Virginia State College, with a proclamation making February Black History Month.

“Let us focus on the fact that black history is American history,” Carter said. "West Virginia State is proud of its heritage as an 1890 land-grant institution founded for the education of black citizens. This year commemorates the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that ruled ‘separate but equal’ laws are unconstitutional.

"Following the ruling, West Virginia State College moved quickly for a peaceful and progressive integration. That smooth transition gave State the motto, ‘a living laboratory of human relations.’ ”

Wise and Dr. Carter talked of famous and influential African-Americans with West Virginia ties, including Booker T. Washington, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and the Rev. Dr. Leon Sullivan, who have inspired countless West Virginians and Americans to educate themselves and strive for
excellence.

Monday's celebration also included music by the West Virginia State College gospel choir and Brucella Jordan, who gave a historical characterization of African-American Renaissance poet Anne Spencer who spent her childhood in Bramwell, W.Va.

For more information about Black History Month events in West Virginia, contact Andre Nabors at the West Virginia Division of Tourism at 1-800-225-5982.

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West Virginia Division of Tourism • 90 MacCorkle Ave., SW • South Charleston, WV 25303

304-558-2200 or 1-800-CALL-WVA • FAX: 304-558-2459 • www.callwvanews.com