3. The origins of Black History Month and its ongoing relevance.
Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” was a historian, scholar, and educator who championed the research, study, and publication of African American history. In 1926, he established “Negro History Week” to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, both of which fall in February. This week later evolved into Black History Month. Woodson famously said: “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”
As we reflect on Woodson’s legacy, it is important to understand how Black History Month continues to serve as a crucial platform for celebrating the achievements, struggles, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It’s not just a commemoration, but a call to action.
Understanding the origins and significance of Black History Month is essential to appreciating its ongoing relevance today. With this in mind, reflect on the following questions:
- Think about how Black History Month has shaped your worldview, and consider how you can contribute to preserving and sharing African American history in your community year-round.
- As we move forward in society, how can Black History Month continue to serve as a powerful tool for addressing systemic racial inequities and injustices?
- What role do you think you can play in preserving and sharing African American history in your own community?
- How can you challenge yourself to engage more deeply with the themes of Black History Month beyond just the month of February?
As you reflect on these questions, consider the ways in which Black History Month can serve as a springboard for continued learning and action. Think about the lasting impact you can have by contributing to the conversation about race and history—today, tomorrow, and beyond February.
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