African American History Month has its origins in Negro History Week which began in 1925 and was founded by Carter G. Woodson.
It was first celebrated in February of 1926 during the week of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays.
The week-long celebration eventually became a whole month by 1976. President Gerald R. Ford endorsed the celebration and encouraged the country to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
The Waynesville-St. Robert Area Chamber of Commerce will kick off 2012 with the fifth annual Polar Meltdown Chili Cook-Off Jan. 21 at the St. Robert Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Waynesville United Methodist Church, located on T Highway, will present its cantata performance of "Rejoice in His Coming."
Fort Leonard Wood will usher in the 2011 holiday season during the annual Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation celebration.
The Buckhorn-Laquey Lions Club will sponsor the annual Laquey Christmas Parade and Bazaar, Dec. 3.
The Waynesville-St. Robert Area Chamber of Commerce and the cities of Waynesville and St. Robert invite the public to enjoy the 2011 Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade Friday, Nov. 11, beginning at 11 a.m.
The Christian Women Connection of the Church of God, St. Robert will be hosting their Annual Bazaar, Bake Sale and Flea Market on Saturday, November 5 from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm in the church fellowship hall.
NAACP leaders will be in attendance at the October 16 “Dedicate the Dream” ceremony. Leaders will be available for interviews by phone from 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm, and before the event begins.
Route 66 October Fest that will take place on the Square in Waynesville (by the courthouse).
Eight local youth along with their families and friends celebrated their recent accomplishment of completing Pulaski County Youth EXCEL Leadership training at Price Cutter Restaurant on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m.
The event, which is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. Thursday on the Waynesville Town Square
The annual Christmas parade promises to be one of the biggest ones yet, and many have come out to help with the effort.