The theme of this year's African American History Month is "Black Women in American Culture and History." First lady Michelle Obama, who will obviously have a permanent place on that list, says in a video message released today, "You don't have to be in a history book to make a contribution to our country."

From the White House Blog:

Mrs. Obama urges others to not only celebrate African-American heroes such as Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, whose contributions to the improvement of the country are depicted in many history books; but to also honor the women of today, “our aunts ... our best friends ... all those women who live each day with a spirit that is uniquely their own, and who continue to write our country’s story every single day.”

The First Lady’s message includes a challenge, for others to, “reinvest in those around us ... and pledge to continue their story by contributing our own gifts for the good of our families, our communities, and our country.” Together, we can be the difference we search for while recognizing there are those around us who have continued to positively contribute to our community.

Read more at the White House Blog.

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