TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The accomplishments of African American residents of Kansas were recognized Friday.

Kansas African American Affairs Commission staffers read a proclamation from the Governor at an afternoon news conference, officially recognizing February as Black History Month.

The Commission also unveiled a new feature on its website. The "Kansas Black History Remembered" online calendar will highlight African Americans in Kansas from 1865 all the way through present day.

"Black History Month happens all year," said Donna Rae Pearson, a researcher and historian with the Kansas African American Affairs Commission. "Hopefully the calender demonstrates that - things going on we don't know about."

The calendar was developed in partnership with the Kenneth Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas libraries and area archives.