Dobbins Heights Mayor Antonio Blue was one of about 120 black elected officials who attended a recent Black History Month event hosted by the vice president.

The event was held Feb. 15 at the home of Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, at the U.S. Naval Observatory.

According to a press release, Biden spoke for about eight minutes on the importance of Black History Month as he reflected on everything from his recent meeting with young pre-teen African American football players at Ft. Campbell (who are the offspring of deployed Afghanistan and Iraq military warriors), to his becoming an attorney in 1968 just after the death of Dr. King (and the subsequent riots), and finally to his train ride with President-elect Barack Obama in January 2009 as the newly elected Vice President-elect to the nation’s first ever Black President.

Blue explained the achievements of many African-Americans were celebrated during the event, which he attended as a member of the National Council of Black Mayors. Also in attendance were state and county officials from across the country.

“I think it was a great program held by the vice president, and it just shows his commitment to making sure that all people are recognized for their achievements regardless of the color of their skin, or their race or gender,” Blue commented. “It was also an honor to meet the Vice President of the United States.”

During his comments, Biden spoke of when he became a lawyer in 1968, the same year as the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the ensuing riots. He recalled Wilmington, in his home state of Delaware burning to the ground, and applauded those in the audience for the strides they’ve made.

“We may have a lot more to do, but damn, we’ve come a long way.” He closed his remarks by saying that “the best way to celebrate history is to make it.”