Black History Month
Themes of social activism, racial equality, and commemorating cultural and civil rights contributions are central to Black History Month.
Themes of social activism, racial equality, and commemorating cultural and civil rights contributions are central to Black History Month.
Renee Harleston
Reviewer URLDate: February
Name: Black History Month, BHM
Themes of social activism, racial equality, and commemorating cultural and civil rights contributions are central to Black History Month.
Origin
Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Black, Harvard-educated journalist, author and historian, founded “Negro History Week” in 1926. Woodson’s life’s work centered on highlighting the contributions of Black people to American society as well as their contributions to the world at large. After thousands of African-Americans showed up to and waited in long lines for a national celebration of the 50th anniversary of emancipation, Woodson was inspired to create and archive the works and contributions of Black people as a “study” of Black life.
“Negro History Week” took place during the second week in February to coincide with Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays. During the 1960s, “Negro History Week” grew into Black History Month on college campuses around the country. In February 1976, President Gerald Ford made Black History Month an official holiday. Since then, every American president has designated February as Black History Month.
Traditions
Black History Month is a time of celebration, remembrance and cultural immersion into experiences, places and educational institutions that showcase Black history and the diverse spectrum of Black lives. Art museums, cultural institutions like the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian Institution, The Africa Center, and festivals across the country host empowering educational forums for educators, parents and children.
Social activist groups, artists and musicians often gather during this time. National campaigns showcase and support Black-owned businesses. Larger corporations create and share initiatives to boost the business economy in Black communities. Companies and brands are also more deliberate about highlighting diversity and inclusion initiatives. Historically Black towns and communities across the country have parades, community cookouts and concerts to celebrate Black History Month. Parents, educators, librarians and life-long learners support books that teach Black history and watch movies to learn more about the past and present contributions of Black people in the United States and around the world.
What to do
"Happy Black History Month" is an appropriate greeting. People are encouraged to support Black-owned businesses, volunteer and engage in social justice, cultural education and artistic activities teaching Black history. Participate in local and national actions to celebrate Black History Month. Websites like BlackHistory.com, BlackHistoryMonth.gov, and BlackPast.org provide succinct content and educational resources that can help individuals of all backgrounds learn more about Black History Month and ways to get involved. Read books like The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin and The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson to learn about Black history.