Black History Month: Where It Came From & How to Participate in 2023
Black History Month: Where It Came From & How to Participate in 2023
By: Aria Spears
The History of Black History Month
Black History Month originated with an idea by Dr. Carter G. Woodson 1915, starting as “Negro History Week”. This week was established with the intention of highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans and African descendants. American schools and other entities have historically excluded this history, out many of these individuals who have made tremendous contributions to our country.
“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history”
Dr. Woodson was a Black author, editor, publisher, and historian. He had a firm belief that Black Americans should be proud of their heritage and that other Americans should also understand it.
Why was it created and why in February?
The second week of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, Gerald Ford recognized February as Black History Month to acknowledge the often neglected history of Black Americans.
Why should you celebrate and honor Black History Month?
Black history has often been overshadowed and overlooked in the classroom and in our society. It is our responsibility as individuals to celebrate and educate ourselves of the history of our society, especially the parts that are overlooked.
What is the 2023 theme for Black History Month?
Since its inception, each Black History Month features a theme to help guide and focus conversations, educational efforts and beyond. This year’s theme highlights the myriad of ways in which African Americans have resisted oppression and injustice throughout America’s history: “Black resistance”.
Black resistance has looked like voluntary migrations, armed resistance, nonviolent protests, education, literature, sports, legislation, faith institutions, insurrections, cultural centers, media and politics/legislation. As the Association for the Study of African American Life and History notes, in every sector of society, “Black resistance strategies have served as a model for every other social movement in the country, thus, the legacy and importance of these actions cannot be understated”.
Learn more about this year’s theme in the ASALH Black History Executive Summary.
What can you do outside of school to expand your own knowledge?
The most important thing you can do is choose to expose yourself to Black authors, artists, movies, businesses, and more on an ongoing basis. Don’t leave your education purely to school.
Read books by Black Authors
Join Virtual Festivals & Online Events
Attend Local Black History Month Events
After Black History Month is over?
Don’t stop learning, listening and supporting. Whatever your starting point, choose to learn from people who may have different experiences and lifestyles than you. Continue to educate yourself on Black History, as well as listen carefully to the experiences of Black and African Americans of today. Most importantly, celebrate the amazing Black and African Americans in our country, past and present.