In commemoration of Black History Month, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, joined by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, will participate in a "fireside chat" on Friday, Feb. 27, at the U.S. Department of Education's Lyndon Baines Johnson building in Washington, D.C. They will reflect on how their time in the Obama Administration has contributed to increased access and opportunity for African Americans of all ages. They also will discuss race, civil rights and the importance of community engagement in building strong communities. The discussion, followed by a question-and-answer session, will be moderated by David Johns, executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. Brenda Girton-Mitchell, director of the Department's Office for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, will give closing remarks.
Prior to the discussion, Eunique Jones, creator of Because of Them, We Can, a viral photo campaign that aims to build the self-esteem of children by providing them with positive imagery, will screen public service announcements featuring children portraying distinguished African Americans.