February 2, 2017

February is Black History Month

Trailblazers Exhibit To honor the legacies of historic African Americans in Pennsylvania, I joined with the Department of General Services and the State Museum of Pennsylvania to bring the museum’s “Trailblazers” exhibit to the Capitol Building. Photographs of distinguished African American lawyers, librarians, opera singers, politicians and more will now be on display permanently. Before this exhibit, the only images of African Americans were as slaves or servants.

Since 1976, Black History Month has been celebrated across the country. While the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans deserve recognition year-round, the month of February marks an opportunity to specifically highlight the magnitude of their impact throughout American history.

Numerous events are taking place throughout the community in celebration of Black History Month. I hope you are able to take the time to attend or participate.

Trailblazers

Countless African American women and men from Pennsylvania have overcome many challenges and opened new opportunities for other blacks. They are inspirations for all people.

Before the Civil War, African Americans were denied full citizenship and most opportunities for advancement. Some African Americans bettered their lives by entering professions or creating their own businesses. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, blacks made their marks in the arts and education, and in black institutions such as Negro League baseball and black newspapers. During the mid-twentieth century, black leaders and the civil rights movement helped open more paths. Since then African Americans have advanced in many fields of endeavor.

Blacks have realized many achievements, thanks to trailblazing African Americans. These posters feature only a few of the many inspiring African Americans in Pennsylvania history.

Trailblazers

Citizen Advocacy Successes

Senator Art Haywood From the POWER rally on MLK Day to the Women’s March in Philadelphia to Tuesdays with Toomey, citizen advocacy is not only growing – it is succeeding. Illegal executive orders are being struck down and troubling Cabinet picks are being delayed. None of this would happen if people were not making their voices heard.

Self government means that we hold elected officials accountable to the people. Be sure to check out the Citizen Advocacy Hub and Neighborhood Activism pages on my website for more information on how to participate in governing. Contact me to arrange a citizen advocacy training.

Citizen Adovacy

We’re Here to Help You

Staff Member Rachel Hooper presents citation to
Abington Jr. High Assistant Principal Julianna Peterson

For those of you have not yet heard, my district office at 7106 Germantown Avenue is now open five days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (10 a.m. on Fridays). My office at 1168 Easton Road is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thank you to all who attended our open house. You may not know that my office provides citations and certificates to individuals and organizations for good deeds within our community. If there’s someone in your neighborhood deserving of recognition call us a (215) 242-8171.

Additionally, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is officially open. There are a few specific requirements for eligibility. You can find more details on the Department of Revenue website or give our offices a call.

We also offer free notary services, assistance with LIHEAP and property tax/rent rebates, SEPTA Senior Pass photographs, and so much more. And if we aren’t able to assist you in our office, we’ll do all that we can to send you in the right direction. For a more detailed list of all the ways we can serve you, see the services page on my website.

Dare to Care,

Art Haywood
State Senator
4th District

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Offices to Serve You

www.senatorhaywood.com
	District Office 1168 Easton Road Abington, PA 19001 Phone: 215-517-1434 Fax: 215-517-1439 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.	District Office 7106 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19119 Phone: 215-242-8171 Fax: 215-242-6118 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.	Harrisburg Office 10 East Wing Harrisburg, PA 17120 Phone: 717-787-1427 Fax: 717-772-0572 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.