Highlights: Black History Month at the White House

This past February, the White House hosted a number of events to celebrate how African American culture has shaped and ultimately strengthened the United States.
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"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." - President Barack Obama

Here are a few highlights from the events hosted by the White House.

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Celebrating African American Women in 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)

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)

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

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)

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Intergenerational Civil Rights Leaders Meeting

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​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)

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)

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Virginia McLaurin Meets the President and the First Lady

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#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:

Others, inspired by a photo of Obama greeting a young boy at the Black History Month Reception, took to  Facebook and Twitter to share their favorite photos of #ObamaAndKids.

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Tribute to Ray Charles

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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Click here for more information, photos and videos from Black History Month events hosted by the White House.