President Obama celebrates African American History Month at White House, ahead of Selma visit

By Stacy A. Anderson

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON _ President Barack Obama is celebrating what he calls “the central role that African Americans have played in every aspect of American life.”

The first African-American president was joined by his wife Michelle as they hosted a White House reception Thursday for Black History Month.

Obama said his family, including daughters Sasha and Malia will visit Selma, Alabama next week to honour the 50th anniversary of historic civil rights marches across the state. He said the trip will also note the upcoming 50th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act.

The Black History Month celebration fell on the third anniversary of Trayvon Martin’s death. Obama thanked Martin’s parents for attending, and said part of a parent’s task is to show all kids “every single day that their lives matter.”