In honor of African American History Month, 2006, the U.S. Post Office will recognize actress Hattie McDaniel as the 29th inductee into the Black Heritage stamp series.

Originally established as Negro History Week in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a noted African-American author and scholar, this event evolved into the establishment in 1976 of February as "Black History Month." This commemoration has increasingly been referred to as "African-American History Month," although both names are currently in use.

When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week, he realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of the public. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public's attention important developments that merit emphasis.

Since 1926, The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH) has established the national theme for the month-long celebration of African American History Month. The National Theme for the celebration in the year 2006 is Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black, Fraternal, Social, and Civic Institutions.

For more on U.S. life and culture, see African Americans.

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