Join the Fort Detrick and Frederick communities at the Community Activities Center Feb. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to take part in the Black History Month Observance and hear from guest speaker Damien Robinson, activist for the advancement of communities of color.

Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time to recognize the central role they have played in U.S. history. The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the U.S. Few could have imagined African Americans' future contributions to music, art and literature that would be recognized by the global community.

Credit for the evolving awareness of the true place of African Americans in history can, in large part, be attributed to one man: Carter G. Woodson. In 1915, Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Woodson wanted to change the world's perception of African Americans and recognize their contribution to American society and culture. This month's Black History/National African American History observance will provide snapshots of the many accomplishments made over the last 10 decades and some of the African Americans who have made major impacts in science, education, government, sports and entertainment.