With the month almost over, Gov. Corbett declares February Black History Month in Pa.

Look at this curious release that came over from the governor’s press office this afternoon:

News for Immediate Release

Feb. 16, 2012

Governor Corbett Proclaims Black History Month, Agencies Join Tribute

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett has proclaimed February as Black History Month in Pennsylvania, recognizing the significant role African American residents continue to play in Pennsylvania’s economic, cultural, spiritual and political development.

The national theme for this year’s observance is “Black Women in American Culture in History.”

Apparently, the purpose of the release was to highlight a Black History Month program in Harrisburg today honoring C. Delores Tucker, Patricia Gadsden and others, but it just seems little late to be stating the obvious. It’s like waiting til May 20 to declare May 5 Cinco de Mayo in Pennsylvania.

I’m not saying the gov intended to be disingenuous, but that’s the way it comes across. They even included a little proclamation:

BLACK HISTORY MONTH — February 2012

WHEREAS, Black History Month grew out of the establishment, in 1926, of Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History; and

WHEREAS, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History designates the theme for the month-long celebration; and

WHEREAS, the national theme for this year’s observance is “Black Women in American Culture and History”; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is home to more than 1.4 million African Americans currently and, throughout history, many have played significant roles in the history of Pennsylvania’s economic, cultural, spiritual and political development while working to maintain and promote their culture and history; and

WHEREAS, against what could be viewed as insurmountable odds, African Americans have overcome many struggles to realize their dreams and aspirations; and

WHEREAS, those dreams are inextricably tied to inclusion in the economic prosperity of this commonwealth and this country.

THEREFORE, in special recognition of the rich history of African Americans in our commonwealth, I, Tom Corbett, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim February 2012 BLACK HISTORY MONTH in Pennsylvania. I encourage all citizens to celebrate this important observance and to continue to work toward the goal of liberty and justice for all.

Wow, with the stroke of a pen you did that, guv? How bold.