Black History Month Facts
By Tesemma HeadenGreetings, ARC Family and Friends! Adoption ARC would like to celebrate Black History Month with you. Here are some facts that you may or may not already know.
Since 1926, Americans have recognized Black History Month annually in the month of February. It was first recognized as "Negro History Week" and later as "Black History Month." What many don't know is that Black History Month had barely begun to be studied or even documented when the tradition first originated. Although African Americans have been in America at least as far back as the colonial times, it wasn't until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the history books.
African Americans attribute the celebration of Black History Month to Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950). Born during slavery times, Dr. Woodson worked in coal mines and later enrolled in high school at the age of 20. He completed high school in just two years and then attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. He went on to further his education at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, and then received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
While pursuing his education, Dr. Woodson became disturbed by the books written concerning the African American population. Often times, the books that he reviewed were inaccurate and sometimes racist. In addition, these books failed to mention the cultural contributions that the African Americans bestowed upon this country.
In 1915, Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now called the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History).
In 1926, Woodson launched Negro History Week as an initiative to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history.
Woodson choose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it marked significant dates of Black American history. For example (the following was adapted by website: www.infoplease.com).
February 3, 1870: The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote. . February 7, 1817: Frederick Douglas, important spokesman for African Americans in the 1800's. Also a noted reformer, author and orator. . February 12, 1909: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by a group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City.
February 23, 1868: W. E. B. DuBois, important civil right leader and cofounder of the NAACP, was born.
February 25, 1870: Hiram R. Revels (1822-1901), the first black U.S. senator, took his oath of office.
Today, Black History Month is recognized both nationally and internationally. The observance has been expanded to encompass the entire month of February. The expansion, of course, has increased the number of days for this celebration. Ralph Crowder, an Associate Professor at the University of California, Riverside, stated the following in regards to the importance of Black History Month: "the observance of Black History Month must be a testimony to those African pioneers who struggled to affirm the humanity of African peoples and a challenge to the present generation to protect and preserve the humanity of all peoples of African descent."
Below are some resources that you and your family may find enjoyable:
Kids Explore, America's African American Heritage, 2nd Edition, Westridge Young Writers Workshop
Amazing African American History, A Book of Answers for Kids, by Diane Patrick
Bound For Canaan, by Mark Galli (adult reading)
Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America, by Lerone Bennett, Jr. (adult reading)
For more information regarding Black History Month, search the web under: Black History Month, visit your local library.
Happy Black History Month!