Dear friends & neighbors,

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the architect of Black History Month, once said, "Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history."

This year's Black History Month theme is "African Americans and the Arts." All month, I've shared African American artists with our staff in an effort to inspire curiosity, information and insight, and they, in turn, have offered up some African Americans throughout history who have inspired them. It's been a wonderful journey of learning about different areas of art and the incredible influence Black Americans have had on our culture.

Through the month, our programs and classrooms have also been learning and celebrating in the name of Black History Month, and through their process, our staff have reiterated that education and visibility of Black culture, historical figures and events is a never-ending story.

Our center, Madison, our country would not exist without Black minds, bodies and ideas, and I'm proud of the way our staff celebrate Black change-makers throughout the year as they work with our children and youth.

I hope you've found time this month to learn about important Black leaders who have helped shape our community and our country.

Warmly,

Letesha Nelson, CEO & Executive Director