FBI Los Angeles Celebrates Black History Month and Historic Contributions by African-Americans

In celebration of Black History Month, the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office will host a presentation by Dr. Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, nationally renowned for assembling one of the largest private collections of African-American art and artifacts.

The Kinsey Collection, a diverse collection of African-American art, sculpture, literature, historical documents, and artifacts that spans four centuries of politics, art, literature, and culture, is known for engaging and inspiring people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. The collection reflects the unique experience of America's black heritage from the 1600s to the present.

The Kinseys have raised millions of dollars for numerous civic organizations and educational institutions. In 2008, the couple created the Bernard and Shirley Kinsey Foundation for the Arts and Education to promote education and understanding of African-American history and culture. The Kinseys have provided scholarships for over three hundred young people to attend college. Dr. Kinsey has served as an economic adviser to foreign governments.

"The FBI is committed to celebrate the history of leadership and accomplishments of the many diverse groups in America." said Steven M. Martinez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. "Black History Month is a celebration of American history, and provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the countless contributions that African Americans have made to this country."

American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who was of African descent, inspired Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on February 12, 1926; and in 1976, this commemoration of black history in the United States was expanded to Black History Month. This year's national theme of "African-Americans and the Civil War" commemorates the sesquicentennial of the beginning of the Civil War.

For more information about African-American history in the FBI, please visit: http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/february/history_021511/history_021511

Media are invited to attend this event. Please confirm attendance by contacting:

Laura Eimiller

FBI Press Relations

Los Angeles Field Office

310 996-3343

310 420-6441

laura.eimiller@ic.fbi.gov

http://losangeles.fbi.gov

www.labankrobbers.org