Why is Black History Month in February?
Written By: Gayatri Panda
Origins of Black History Month
50 years after the Thirteenth Amendment was implemented, Black History Month commenced. That was when the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent, was created. It was formed by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and Minister Jesse E. Moorland. Originally, the celebration was only a week-long and was called the Negro History Week. The second week of February was specifically chosen because of Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglas’s birthdays. Beginning with President Gerald Ford, subsequent American presidents have continued to spread education and awareness to the public of all the neglected accomplishments by Black Americans in history. By the 1940s, most citizens were aware of the celebration and it was spread through various methods. In the South, black teachers often taught African American history as an additional topic to the United States history curriculum. Also, during the Civil Rights Movement in the South, the Freedom Schools incorporated black history into the curriculum to advance social change (Beatrice Alvarez). After the years that have followed, more political figures and schools have been recognizing the week and extended its duration. They helped it gain popularity and become Black History Month.
Black History Month 2021
In 2021, we have our first Black Vice President Kamala Harris, and “Jeanette Epps, NASA astronaut, set to make history as the first Black woman to fly to the International Space Station” (Nichelle Smith). Black women like Donna Brazile, a political strategist for several Democratic presidents, and Black girls like Rep. Ilhan Omar’s daughter can’t wait for the inspiration Harris will bring. Principles of historically Black colleges and universities are hoping for Biden’s support in spreading knowledge and history about the month. Experts say that understanding Black history and learning more about systemic racism is essential as our country faces backlash to civil rights activists such as the George Floyd protests.
How To Celebrate the Month
“Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme” (N’dea Yancey-Bragg). The theme of Black History Month in 2021 is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Various historical museums were hosting online events to educate people of all the Black Americans who have impacted American history. The National Museum of African American History and Culture also offered guidance for businesses and workplaces about the best ways to celebrate Black History Month.
Along with museums, King emphasized that educators should “teach Black history from Black perspectives." He offered seven guiding principles for educators to explore when teaching Black history:
BSA hosted various meetings, gamedays, events, and other fun activities for Black History Month!
50 years after the Thirteenth Amendment was implemented, Black History Month commenced. That was when the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent, was created. It was formed by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and Minister Jesse E. Moorland. Originally, the celebration was only a week-long and was called the Negro History Week. The second week of February was specifically chosen because of Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglas’s birthdays. Beginning with President Gerald Ford, subsequent American presidents have continued to spread education and awareness to the public of all the neglected accomplishments by Black Americans in history. By the 1940s, most citizens were aware of the celebration and it was spread through various methods. In the South, black teachers often taught African American history as an additional topic to the United States history curriculum. Also, during the Civil Rights Movement in the South, the Freedom Schools incorporated black history into the curriculum to advance social change (Beatrice Alvarez). After the years that have followed, more political figures and schools have been recognizing the week and extended its duration. They helped it gain popularity and become Black History Month.
Black History Month 2021
In 2021, we have our first Black Vice President Kamala Harris, and “Jeanette Epps, NASA astronaut, set to make history as the first Black woman to fly to the International Space Station” (Nichelle Smith). Black women like Donna Brazile, a political strategist for several Democratic presidents, and Black girls like Rep. Ilhan Omar’s daughter can’t wait for the inspiration Harris will bring. Principles of historically Black colleges and universities are hoping for Biden’s support in spreading knowledge and history about the month. Experts say that understanding Black history and learning more about systemic racism is essential as our country faces backlash to civil rights activists such as the George Floyd protests.
How To Celebrate the Month
“Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme” (N’dea Yancey-Bragg). The theme of Black History Month in 2021 is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Various historical museums were hosting online events to educate people of all the Black Americans who have impacted American history. The National Museum of African American History and Culture also offered guidance for businesses and workplaces about the best ways to celebrate Black History Month.
Along with museums, King emphasized that educators should “teach Black history from Black perspectives." He offered seven guiding principles for educators to explore when teaching Black history:
- Power, oppression, and racism
- The black agency, perseverance, and resistance
- Africa and the African diaspora
- Black joy and Black love
- Black identities – other than heterosexual, Christian, middle-class Black men
- Black historical contention and the problematic aspects of Black history
- Black excellence
BSA hosted various meetings, gamedays, events, and other fun activities for Black History Month!
Wrap Up
Everyone should take part in celebrating Black History Month whether it be through an online course or a virtual tour from a particular museum. As Grayman, an educator, stated “The historical contributions of Black people need to be integrated into the curriculum because of their importance.”
Everyone should take part in celebrating Black History Month whether it be through an online course or a virtual tour from a particular museum. As Grayman, an educator, stated “The historical contributions of Black people need to be integrated into the curriculum because of their importance.”