Black History Month

Black History Month: Honoring Black Excellence and Resilience

Black History Month is celebrated every February to honor the profound contributions of Black Americans throughout history and raise awareness of the ongoing struggle for racial equality. First recognized in 1926 as Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson, this celebration was later expanded to a month in 1976 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This year’s theme focuses on fostering resilience and the strength of Black communities in overcoming systemic challenges.
Three Facts:
1. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s directly influenced societal changes, resulting in landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
2. Black History Month provides a platform to address inequalities in health, education, wealth, and criminal justice, propelling movements such as Black Lives Matter.
3. It is not just celebrated in the U.S.; countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands also observe Black History Month.
Three Ways to Celebrate:
1. Host community events to discuss Black historical figures like Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Dr. King, and their influence today.
2. Use multimedia platforms to promote books, films, and art that center Black creators.
3. Support Black-owned businesses or donate to organizations that prioritize racial equity.
Three Resources:
1. National Museum of African American History and Culture – Dive into rich educational programming.
2. History.com – Learn about figures and stories often omitted from mainstream curricula.
3. NAACP – Advocacy supporting the fight for justice and equity.