Special Video Message from Governor Crist
In Honor of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial and NAACP Centennial
Released February 12, 2009

Dear Friends,

Governor Charlie Crist As Americans and as Floridians, we see evidence during this historic year that we are closer to fully embracing the truth on which our nation was founded - that all men are created equal.

This year, we have the opportunity to witness the inauguration of our nation's first African-American President and also mark the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. As President, Lincoln embodied the greatness of America - though he did not live to see our nation's approval of the 13th Amendment and the beginning of freedom of African-Americans.

Since then, many Floridians have paved the way for freedom and equal opportunity. Their efforts and legacy inspire us to work together so that our people, our state and our nation can continue to grow and prosper. Florida is one of our nation's most diverse states, with a rich African-American history. As we remember the past, we each must do all we can to ensure an even brighter future for Florida and her citizens of every background.

May God continue to bless Florida and all her people.

Sincerely,

Charlie Crist
Governor

"... on the first day of January... all persons held as slaves within any State, ordesignated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free."
President Abraham Lincoln
September 22, 1862
From top to bottom: Ray Charles, Mary McLeod Bethune, Barack Obama, Peggy Quince, Jackie Robinson.