Black History

Each February, Black History Month honors the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens as well as their contributions to the nation's cultural and political life. Carter G. Woodson, a noted scholar and historian, instituted Negro History Week in 1926. The celebration was expanded to a month in 1976, the nation's bicentennial. 

Online Reading and Resources

High speed vessel 2 Swift (HSV 2) visited Barbados

Commander Chris Barnes (center) of the HSV2 Swift with Lt (CG) Aquinas Clarke of the Barbados Coast Guard (left) and Major Dan Dewenter (right) attached to the US Embassy, Bridgetown

High speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) visited Barbados for the first of two, two-week long instruction evolutions in Barbados during Southern Partnership Station (SPS).  Barbados is the fourth stop for SPS.

While here, their goal is primarily information sharing and training with defense and police personnel from the seven Regional Security Service (RSS) nations. 

They will return in March for another two weeks. (more)

President Obama’s Inaugural Address

President Barack Obama at his inauguration (© AP Images)

“Today we gather because we have chosen hope over fear.”

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.

At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. (full text)

Other Publications:

• President Barack Obama in His Own Words
• Barack Obama: 44th President of the United States
  

Dr. Henry Fraser pays a farewell call on outgoing U.S. Ambassador Mary Ourisman

Professor Dr. Henry Fraser presented Ambassador Mary Ourisman with a copy of his updated book Historic Houses of Barbados

Expert on Barbados’ architectural history pays farewell visit to outgoing U.S. Ambassador. 

Professor of Medicine and expert on Barbados’ architectural history Dr. Henry Fraser recently paid a farewell call on outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Mary Ourisman.

Professor Fraser is a noted writer and lecturer, who has authored and / or co-authored some 7 books on architectural history and heritage, presented Ambassador Ourisman with a copy of his updated book Historic Houses of Barbados, which was first published in 1982. (more)

U.S. Embassy Bridgetown Marks the Inauguration of President Barack Obama

Dr. Brent Hardt sharing a moment with Haynesley Benn of the Barbados Government

Remarks by Dr. Brent Hardt, Chargé d’Affaires United States Embassy to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
January 20th, 2009

Thank you for joining us this soggy Barbados afternoon to observe the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama.  We are honored to be able share this special moment in our history with so many of our good friends in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.   Our country has been deeply touched by the tremendous interest and enthusiasm that our democratic process has generated this year in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean region. (full text) 
       

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr Birthday

Contralto Natalie Carter performing one of her numbers accompanied by Samuel Brock on piano

Concert of Negro Spirituals performed by Natalie Carter and Samuel Brock in Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr Birthday

Remarks delivered by Dr. Brent Hardt, Chargé d’Affaires United States Embassy to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean at the Concert of Negro Spirituals performed by Natalie Carter and Samuel Brock at the Frank Collymore Hall, January 19, 2009

Today is a very special day.  On this date we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Through song, tonight’s performance hails Dr. King’s peaceful campaign for justice.  With influence that transcended national boundaries, King was pivotal in persuading his fellow Americans to end the legal segregation that prevailed throughout the nation.  He sparked support for the civil rights legislation that established the legal framework for racial equality in the United States.  It is fitting that we commemorate his legacy today, January 19, 2009, the day before the inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African-American president of the United States. (full text)

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Performers Fill the Hall
   
  

Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police

Charge d’Affaires Dr. Brent Hardt addressing Caribbean Commissoners of Police

Charge d‘Affaires of the United States Embassy to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Dr. Brent Hardt re-affirmed the United States’ commitment to ensuring the safety and security of this region, when he delivered remarks at the opening of an Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police on Tuesday December 9th at the Grand Barbados Hotel.

He acknowledged that there were a number of threats facing the region and noted the U.S. was committed “to working with you to ensure the safety and security of this region and its people.” (full story)