Chrysler Group Celebrates Black History Month

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chrysler Group is today launching a month-long celebration of Black History Month. In cooperation with the DaimlerChrysler African American Network (DCAAN), an employee resource group, the company will sponsor an exhibit, theatrical performances, and guest speakers at its Auburn Hills facility throughout the month of February.

``Our celebration is designed to foster awareness of Black History Month and to provide a global context of the contributions of African Americans,'' said William F. Jones, Jr., Chrysler Group Vice President Finance and President of DCAAN.

Chrysler's observation of Black History Month is part of the national celebration that began in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a black historian and educator, introduced Negro History Week. Woodson chose a week in February because both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas celebrated birthdays during that time. History has shown that the contributions of both men dramatically affected the lives of African-Americans.

In 1976, the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History succeeded in promoting the week of celebration into Black History Month. Since that time, Black History Month has evolved into an annual observation of African American history and culture.

Highlights of Chrysler Group activities celebrating Black History Month:

Skits from the play Scenes from the Civil Rights Movement (as presented by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History) will be performed for employees February 19 at Chrysler Group headquarters Joe Dumars, former Detroit Piston player and now General Manager of Basketball Operations for the Detroit Pistons, will speak to Chrysler Group employees on February 28 at the Auburn Hills facility An exhibit featuring the nation's historically black colleges and universities will be displayed throughout the month at the Auburn Hills facility to highlight the significant role of black institutions in preparing individuals for success Throughout the month, a series of facts about African American history will be broadcast on the company's internal television network to its worldwide operations. Additionally, the broadcasts will feature commentary from Chrysler Group's African American executives and suppliers about the historical and cultural importance of Black History Month.