Since 1976, the month of February has been designated "Black History Month" - a time for us to reflect on the history and contributions of African Americans. Over these last two decades, much progress has been made in the struggle for equal rights. Learning more about our history will insure more progress in the future.

In February we should remember the heroes who have led the way in the fight for African American rights and against discrimination. Martin Luther King Jr., of course, W.E.B. Du Bois, Detroit's own Rosa Parks, and many others.

Wayne State University, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Museum of African American History, the Detroit Public Library and many other institutions in the University Cultural Center have planned special programs during the month. I urge you to take part.

One of Wayne State's faculty played an important role in the African American struggle for equal rights. The late Alfred Kelly, a Wayne State University history professor and American Constitution scholar, was a historical consultant to the NAACP and Thurgood Marshall's legal team that brought about one of the most important civil rights decisions, the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education. That landmark school desegregation case found that separate educational facilities for black and white children are inherently unequal and a violation of the 14th Amendment.

Take part in the events of Black History Month. It is through an understanding of our past that we will change the future.