The week was chosen to extend the celebrations commonly held for the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, men who made sizable leaps towards the abolishment of slavery and equal rights for all. Woodson wanted to expand it beyond the study and celebration of these two men, however. He believed that history was created by the people, and wanted the celebration to reflect that. With sponsorship from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), he drew attention to the great minds which had acquired freedom for a large portion of the U.S. population. Before long, the celebration had grown to include experiences and lessons both inside and outside of schools, and would provide a springboard for the civil rights movement. By the mid-to-late 20th century, Black History Month was adopted by college campuses, and then widely by the general public. Since 1976, U.S. president have endorsed ASALH's yearly theme for Black History Month. This year is African Americans and the Arts.
Story by Mercer Akeson Design by Katrina Nolan
With recent years riddled with political turmoil and the search for social justice, Black History Month brings celebration, education, and recognition for many voices who have been disparaged, past and present. The tradition began in 1926 with historian Carter G. Woodson, with a celebration he called “Negro History Week.”
FEB 3 ASA Presents Akwaaba Night
FEB 5 THRIVE: Black Women in the Civil Rights Movement
Black History Month Kickoff with Raymond Santana FEB 1 | Music Building | 6 p.m.
FEB 7 Find Your People: Black Student Athletes
Monday Movies & more TBA! FEB 24 BSU presents Showtime @ Central
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