History
Each February, Black History Month honors the achievements, culture, and history of Black Americans. It is an opportunity to recognize where systemic racism persists, and give visibility
to the people and organizations creating change.
The month-long observance began in 1926 as a week-long event created by Carter G. Woodson, known as the “father of Black History” and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH). During the 1960s, the week-long observance became a month-long celebration on many college campuses. Since 1976, February has been officially designated as Black History Month.
Terminology
Black: People of African descent, no matter their nationality.
African-American: Refers to people born in the United States and have African ancestry.
People of Color: Originally meant to be a synonym of “Black,” but its meaning has expanded to accommodate Latinos, Asians, Native Americans, and other non-white groups.
Books
- The 1619 Project - Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renee Watson
- The ABCs of Black History by Red Cortez
- Young, Gifted, and Black by Jamia Wilson
