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In Photos: Black History Month at the White House

Summary: 
The White House is hosting a number of events to celebrate how the African American experience has shaped and ultimately strengthened America.
"Our responsibility as citizens is to address the inequalities and injustices that linger, and we must secure our birthright freedoms for all people. As we mark the 40th year of National African American History Month, let us reflect on the sacrifices and contributions made by generations of African Americans, and let us resolve to continue our march toward a day when every person knows the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Throughout February, the White House is hosting events to celebrate African Americans, past and present, who have shaped and strengthened our nation. Check out some of the highlights so far, and stay tuned for more Black History Month events to come.

Celebrating African American Women in Dance

On February 8th, First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a day-long dance workshop for local students to highlight the contributions African American women have made to dance. The students were joined by iconic leaders in dance, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Judith Jamison, Debbie Allen, the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Virginia Johnson, and Hip-Hop choreographer Fatima Robinson. Each of these women have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of African American women and girls in dance. You can watch the workshop and performance here.

Celebrating African American Women and Dance
First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks prior to student performances following a day-long dance workshop for local students in celebration of Black History Month highlighting the contributions African American women have made to dance, in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 8, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
Celebrating African American Women and Dance
Students perform following a day-long dance workshop in celebration of Black History Month highlighting the contributions African American women have made to dance, in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 8, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)
Celebrating African American Women and Dance
Students perform following a day-long dance workshop in celebration of Black History Month highlighting the contributions African American women have made to dance, in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 8, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Girls and Gigabytes: Expanding Opportunity for African American Women in STEM​

The White House brought together 150 middle- and high school-aged girls from across 15 states for a day of mentoring, panels, and workshops on STEM topics. As part of initiatives surrounding Black History Month, the event aimed to inspire African American girls, and make clear that they have access to educational opportunities and careers in STEM. Learn more about Girls and Gigabytes.

Girls and Gigabytes
In a session on coding and creating applications, girls work together to design their own app. After drawing it out, they presented their ideas to the group. (Photo by Kelly Jo Smart)
Girls and Gigabytes
A "Girls and Gadgets" participant learns how to operate a robot in a workshop on the wonders of engineering. (Photo by Kelly Jo Smart)

Intergenerational Civil Rights Leaders Meeting

President Obama met with a group of civil rights leaders to discuss a range of issues including the Administration’s efforts on criminal justice reform, building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and the President’s priorities during his final year in office. The meeting was the first of its kind as the President convened leaders who represent different generations of civil rights leaders.


Black History Month Reception

The President and the First Lady hosted the annual Black History Month Reception at the White House.

Black History Month Reception
President Barack Obama greets guests during a reception celebrating African American History Month in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 18, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Black History Month Reception
President Barack Obama greets a young guest during a reception celebrating African American History Month in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 18, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Virginia McLaurin Meets the President and the First Lady

What's the secret to still dancing at 106? Watch 106-year-old Virginia McLaurin fulfill her dream of visiting the White House and meeting President Obama and the First Lady.

Read more about Virginia McLaurin's story.


#ObamaAndKids

A woman named Caprina Harris posted a video on Facebook of her young granddaughter shedding tears after learning President Obama's tenure will be over -- and President Obama responded:

Screenshot of President Obama's Facebook comment

Inspired by the above photo of President Obama greeting a young boy at the Black History Month reception, people took to Facebook and Twitter to share their favorite photos of #ObamaAndKids.

Even the First Lady joined in.


Tribute to Ray Charles

As part of the "In Performance at the White House" series, the President and First Lady invited top contemporary artists to the White House to help celebrate the iconic singer, songwriter, composer, and musician Ray Charles. Previous "In Performance at the White House" concerts have marked Black History Month by featuring the music of Motown, Memphis Soul, the Blues, and from the Civil Rights Movement.

During the day, First Lady Michelle Obama -- along with Yolanda Adams, Leon Bridges, Andra Day, Demi Lovato and Jussie Smollett, and others -- hosted a special workshop on Ray Charles' musical legacy for students from across the country. Watch the workshop along with performances from Leon Bridges and Andra Day.

First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks during "The Musical Legacy of Ray Charles: Student Workshop"
First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks during "The Musical Legacy of Ray Charles: Student Workshop" in the State Dining Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2016. Participants include: Robert "Bob" Santelli, Executive Director of The GRAMMY Museum, Yolanda Adams, Leon Bridges, Andra Day, Demi Lovato and Jussie Smollett. The workshop is held in advance of “Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House.” (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Leon Bridges gave a solo acoustic performance.

Leon Bridges at the White House
Leon Bridges (Photo by Duncan Wolfe)

Ahead of the evening's concert, President Obama paid tribute to the influential musician: "No matter the feeling -- whether it was love, longing, or loss -- Ray Charles had the rare ability to collapse our weightiest emotions into a single note. And from the tiny clubs in which he started out to the arenas that he eventually filled, Ray was an electrifying performer. He couldn’t see us, but we couldn’t take our eyes off of him."

Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance At The White House
Usher and the cast perform "What'd I Say" during "Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House” hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2016. Cast includes: Yolanda Adams, Leon Bridges, Andra Day, Anthony Hamilton, Brittany Howard, Demi Lovato, Sam Moore, Jussie Smollett, The Band Perry. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)
Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance At The White House
President Barack Obama sings "What I'd Say" with First Lady Michelle Obama on stage with performers Usher, Brittany Howard and Andra Day, as all the night's talent takes the stage for the final number during the "Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House” hosted by The President Barack Obama and First Lady in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance At The White House
Brittany Howard performs "Unchain My Heart" during "Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House” hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance At The White House
Usher performs "Georgia On My Mind" during "Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House” hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)
Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance At The White House
Andra Day performs "Drown in My Own Tears" during "Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House” hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)
Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance At The White House
Jussie Smollett performs "I've Got a Woman" during "Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House” hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)
Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance At The White House
Yolanda Adams performs "Spirit in the Dark" during "Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House” hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)
Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance At The White House
Sam Moore kisses First Lady Michelle Obama's hand after performing "I Can't Stop Loving You" during "Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House” hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Stay tuned for more Black History Month highlights.