In celebration of Black History Month, we honor the contributions and milestones of so many prominent African-Americans. This year, we are also celebrating a grand moment in American history —  the election of the 44th President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama — the first African-American to be elected to this office.  His presidential campaign has given hope to millions and this year will forever be marked in our history books.

Alongside President Obama there are many individuals who have made significant contributions to our nation — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Maya Angelou, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Ella Fitzgerald to name a few.  These men and women have broken the barriers, they have stood up for what they believed in, and they have given much needed optimism and promise for new generations to come.  They have given present and future generations the much needed courage and desire to make this country a better place.  Today, we celebrate their accomplishments and the possibility of a future filled with equality and justice for all mankind.

I invite all of you to enjoy the first official grand opening of our Black History Month exhibit being showcased in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center in downtown Miami.

Mayor Carlos Alvarez