Chrysler Group Celebrates Black History Month
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 3 -- Chrysler Group, along with the DaimlerChrysler African American Network (DCAAN) will launch a month-long celebration of Black History Month starting today. The celebration will include an exhibit, an employee choir performance, and guest speakers at its Auburn Hills facility throughout the month of February. DCAAN is one of Chrysler Group's six employee resource groups. "Our celebration is designed to foster awareness of Black History Month and to provide a global context of the contributions of African Americans," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of Chrysler Group. "At Chrysler Group, we believe we will be a stronger Company by understanding and appreciating the diverse strengths, talents, educational backgrounds, and life experiences of our workforce -- and celebrating Black History Month does that." Highlights of Chrysler Group activities celebrating Black History Month: * Former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer will speak to Chrysler Group employees on Wednesday, February 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Auburn Hills facility. * The DaimlerChrysler Choir, a multicultural group of singers, will perform various songs that highlight Black History Month for employees on Wednesday, February 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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. Additional exhibits will highlight Chrysler Group's African-American supplier base and its dealerships. The top African-American owned companies and top African-American executives will also be featured in a display at Tech Plaza. 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. Chrysler Group has an ongoing commitment to Diversity throughout its entire business enterprise, including its employee structure, supplier base and dealership network. Last year, Chrysler Group was named "Company of the Year" by the Michigan Minority Business Development Council for its continual support of growing minority business among its supplier base. Chrysler Group'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.