Every February, communities all across the country celebrate Black History Month, but the question remains....how many people know the history of Black History Month? The following quote is from the HISTORY channel:
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African-Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African-Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.
For more detailed information, the HISTORY channel’s website has a short video discussing more of the details of the history of Black History Month that explains the origin and significance of this annual celebration.
Recently, there was a great article in the Washington Post about why 'Black Lives Matter at School' week is so important and how school are taking part in it during Black History Month. The goal of the week is to teach young people through lessons, discussions, art and social action about structural racism, black identity and history, and restorative justice and related issues.
Additionally, a great local resource on Black history and culture is the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, DC. This museum was decades in the making and captures the full breadth and depth of Black history and culture in America through engaging exhibits and artifacts. The museum is a national treasure to tells the story of the development of the country through the vantage of African Americans. As is said, “Black history is American history”. Feel free to visit their site for a full list of upcoming events. Another local treasure, is the National Museum of African Art, located on the national mall in DC. This somewhat hidden treasure (because the museum is located underground) has amazing artifacts and exhibits spanning the artistry and creativity of the African diaspora. For example, in anticipation of the release of the Black Panther movie last year, the museum hosted an evening discussion with Rose Carter, the costume designer for the Black Panther movie.