February is Black History Month, a great opportunity to celebrate African Americans’ many achievements throughout U.S. history. Since 1976, this annual celebration has recognized the contributions of black Americans to our country.
Here are five important things to know about this meaningful commemoration:
It Started as a Week.
In 1915, Harvard-educated historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse Moorland founded what’s now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. That organization established Negro History Week in 1926, which strived to inspire schools and communities to organize local celebrations and host performances and lectures.
Carter Woodson: The Father of Black History.
Woodson was tireless in his lobbying to establish Negro History Week as a program to encourage the study of African-American history. He dedicated his career to the subject and wrote many books on the topic. His most famous volume is The Mis-Education of the Negro (1933), which has become required reading at numerous colleges and universities.
February Was Chosen for a Reason.
Negro History Week was the second week of February. Why? To coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. President Lincoln, of course, was the 16th U.S. president and paved the way for the abolition of slavery with his Emancipation Proclamation. Douglass was an escaped slave turned activist and author, and a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement to end slavery.
The civil rights movement of the 1960s helped elevate Negro History Week to national prominence… and turn it into a month-long celebration. As a result, in 1976, President Gerald Ford made things official, proclaiming February to be Black History Month.
Honoring African-American Men and Women.
You don’t have to look far to notice the many impressive achievements of black men and women in the fields of science, politics, law, sports, entertainment, and many others. Here are some of the most notable names you’re probably hearing celebrated this month (and Biography’s website does a wonderful job of profiling many others):
Harriet Tubman – Underground Railroad “Conductor,” Civil Rights Activist
Blacks were also the only major racial or ethnic group to mention the civil rights movement (mentioned by 18% of blacks) in their top 10 historic events. Only 8% of whites cite the civil rights movement – and it fails to make their top 10 list. Only about a third of blacks say race relations in the U.S. are good.
Blacks were also the only major racial or ethnic group to mention the civil rights movement (mentioned by 18% of blacks) in their top 10 historic events. Only 8% of whites cite the civil rights movement – and it fails to make their top 10 list. Only about a third of blacks say race relations in the U.S. are good.
The civil rights movement of the 1960s helped elevate Negro History Week to national prominence… and turn it into a month-long celebration. As a result, in 1976, President Gerald Ford made things official, proclaiming February to be Black History Month.
Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.
Black History Month encourages us to learn about the true history of America and strive for a better world. During February, we study the past and look forward to a future of social equity for all.
Dedrick “Slick” Lawrence – First person to wear a fur coat when it's not even cold outside. Charles “Sweet Mac” Farnsley – First to call someone else a jive turkey. TORNETTE PITTS: First to warp the time-space continuum by slapping somebody into next week.
15. Birmingham's Children Crusade. One of the black history facts that are largely unknown is that hundreds of black boys and black girls were arrested in Alabama. In 1963, thousands of African American children ages 7-18 in Birmingham, Alabama skipped classes to protest segregation.
Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.
On Feb. 6, 1820, a group of 88 free Black men and women set sail for the British colony of Sierra Leone aboard a ship called the Mayflower of Liberia. The voyage marked the first organized immigration of Blacks to Africa.
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Introduction: My name is Maia Crooks Jr, I am a homely, joyous, shiny, successful, hilarious, thoughtful, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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