State Celebration of Black History Month Honors Local Businesses

ALBANY, NY (02/01/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson and Office of General Services Commissioner John C. Egan today announced the state's celebration of Black History Month will kick-off on Tuesday, February 2, at 5:30 p.m. in the New York State Museum's Clark Auditorium.

"Some of our nation's greatest moments, from the Emancipation Proclamation to the election of the first African American President, were born of an idea; an idea that things could be different," Governor Paterson said. "As we celebrate the start of Black History Month, let us resolve to honor our past by searching for the new ideas that will address our most pressing problems."

The kick-off event includes the New York State Community Distinction Awards in addition to numerous speakers and musical performances. The program is being cosponsored by several state agencies with support from Price Chopper and the Consolidated Edison Company of New York. In addition, tomorrow's schedule includes:

4:30 p.m. Extended viewing hour for:

This Great Nation Will Endure-Photographs of the Great Depression

New York State Museum Galleries

On February 17-18, OGS is sponsoring an African American cultural expo titled Discovering the African American Legacy to be held in the South Concourse of the Empire State Plaza. The event will run each day from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and will feature African American crafts, food, and musical performances.

For more information, visit the OGS website at: www.ogs.state.ny.us

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