My wish this month is that we all take some time to research African American history and learn something new about how African Americans contributed significantly to who we are today as a nation, despite being treated as non-Americans in the beginning and at other times in our nation's history. 

I must admit that personally, this proud month of celebration for my heritage is often conflicted. For all of the success and progress that has been made, I still ask myself, "Are we over the past challenges of Black Americans? Has progress slowed?" I wish I could say, with abandon, that we have overcome the challenges and our progress continues, but deep down, I don't believe we have reached that place yet. However, there is always tomorrow! 

So, every day, let's remember the words of Frederick Douglas: "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." The struggle continues…we must strive to carry out our true creed for every citizen—the American Creed—which is the shared belief that our government is "of the people, by the people, for the people" and "established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes."

I hope you join me in celebrating this Black History Month with pride for the progress we've made and resolve in our shared pursuit to overcome the challenges that remain.