Black History Month: African American Legacies

February 5, 2026

February serves as a powerful reminder of the visionary leaders who have helped shape American history. While we often reflect on presidential history this month, we also honor influential leaders and community builders—such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—whose dedication redefined the American landscape and expanded the promise of freedom for all.

Black History Month is a dedicated time to reflect on a heritage as vast as it is diverse. From the strategic brilliance of the Underground Railroad to the groundbreaking legislation passed by pioneers in the halls of Congress, the story of African American achievement is inextricably woven into our Nation’s history.

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Bookstore serves as the official chronicler of these triumphs. Our curated African Americans Collection offers a deep dive into the individuals who moved the needle of progress—from military service to the highest levels of elected office.

Featured Publications:

Whether you are an educator, a student of history, or a civic-minded citizen, we invite you to explore these publications celebrating Black History.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From the US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).


MLK Jr. His Truth Is Marching On…Historical Memorial Tribute

January 18, 2019

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

His truth is marching on! The legacy of one man whose dream of racial equality is as relevant and important today as the day he gave his historic “I Have a Dream” speech.  During the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., an American civil rights legend, called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States.

Dr. King’s started out as a charismatic southern Baptist minister and later became one of the great civil rights and freedom leaders in American history. His resolute march to freedom became a defining moment in history. You can live alongside Dr. King’s journey in His Truth Is Marching On: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream of Freedom.

His Truth Is Marching On, which is available from the US Government Bookstore, offers a glimpse of key moments in the civil rights movement and how Martin Luther King Jr. overcame all obstacles in his quest for equality.

The booklet includes a pictorial history ranging from photographs, maps, and illustrations of the King family, famous civil rights leaders and of Dr. King’s journey. Learn about his struggle and how he lived in order to bring hope and freedom to all with this historical memoir.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.