February is Black History Month, which is a month dedicated to celebrating the many contributions of Black and African American people. It is an opportunity to learn about and acknowledge the activists who bravely fought for basic civil rights and learn about the ways we can be supportive and continue the fight against injustice. 

Carter G. Woodson, known as “the father of Black history,” wanted to implement a way for Black history and culture to be taught and celebrated. In 1926, Woodson proposed a weeklong celebration that schools could implement to broaden America’s knowledge and awareness. By the 1960s, this week had grown into the entire month and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month. 

Are you curious as to why February was chosen as the designated month? The reason has to do with two men who were crucial in the movement to abolish slavery in the United States. Both President Abraham Lincoln, and abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass, have birthdays in February; thus, Woodson chose this month as a way to commemorate these two individuals and the legacy they left. If you’d like to learn more about Frederick Douglass, consider attending the Reason and Respect workshop Becoming Frederick Douglass and A Look at His Enduring Legacy which will be held virtually on Wednesday, February 8 at 1 p.m. You can access the session by clicking here. 

We also wanted to include some more information and different ways to celebrate and support Black entrepreneurs, artists, and activists not just in the month of February, but throughout the year. 

• Did you know that every year a new theme is chosen for Black History month? The tradition started by Woodson is still upheld by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). You can learn more about the 2023 theme by clicking here. 
   
• While we encourage everyone to shop at small businesses local to their area, Amazon offers a section that highlights Black-owned businesses. You can access these businesses at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=18096056011  
   
• https://eatblackowned.com/ is a website that will provide a list of Black-owned restaurants. Use it to find some good eats in your area, or to find a restaurant if you’re traveling! 
   
• Thanks to technology, even if you don’t live near Washington D.C., you can still explore some exhibits from National Museum of African American History & Culture. You can find more virtual exhibits by clicking here. 
   
• Finally, we encourage you to do your own research! Learn about contemporary Black activists and organizations, read a book about Black resistance (this year’s theme), or attend a Black History Month event near you.  

  

Information adapted from: 

https://www.npr.org/2022/02/01/1075623826/why-is-february-black-history-month 
 
https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/