HOUSTON, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Governor of the U.S. state of Texas Greg Abbott on Friday proclaimed February as African-American History Month.

The governor said in a proclamation issued by his office on Friday that each February in the future is designated as African-American History Month to remember and learn from the oppression faced by the African-American community, while celebrating its many invaluable contributions.

"At this time, I encourage all Texans to take pride in and discover more about the strength that comes from our diversity," the governor said.

He said that African-Americans have made tremendous contributions to society.

"Having faced slavery, many forms of oppression, deep-rooted adversity and the very real dangers of demanding equality and change, the contributions and achievements of African-Americans are imbued with a unique strength and resilience," he said.

Texas has a population of about 28 million and African-Americans accounted for 12.6 percent as of July 1, 2016.