Black History Month 2024
Contributor: The Inclusion Diversity Equity Advocacy (I.D.E.A.) Committee
The theme of 2024 Black History month is African Americans and the Arts.
As a committed organization devoted to serving a diverse community, we welcome the opportunity to deepen our understanding in this area. February is designated as Black History Month, offering the ideal occasion for us to intentionally invest time in enhancing our knowledge within this specific domain. It is important to acknowledge that the pursuit of continuous learning extends beyond a singular month each year. Nevertheless, Black History Month serves as an annual commemoration, emphasizing that black history is an integral part of American History, black culture is inseparable from American culture, and black stories are indispensable to the ongoing narrative of America. These narratives encapsulate our struggles, mistakes, shortcomings, progress, and aspirations as a country.
- What: An annual celebration that started in the US in 1926. In 1976, under President Gerald Ford, Black History month was officially recognized in this country. Every year The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the founders of ‘Black History Month”, chooses a different theme for Black History Month. The theme of 2024 Black History month is African Americans and the Arts.
- Why: Black history is a part of our American History & should not be seen as separate. However, much of this history is left out and not traditionally taught. This annual celebration raises awareness of black history and honors African Americans achievements and contributions to our country’s history and culture.
- When: The Month of February. The month of February was chosen to coincide with Fredrick Douglas’ birthday, an African American orator, social reformer, writer, & abolitionist. It is celebrated in the United States and Canada, while in Ireland & the United Kingdom it is celebrated in October.
Resources to expand our learning
Link: The Man Behind Black History Month
Carter G. Woodson was a Harvard trained historian and scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of black people led to the establishment of Black History Month, marked every February since 1976.
Click THIS LINK to learn more about Black History Month
Want to learn more?
Black history month: Three important things to know
LINK: Learn more about the rich history of Black Americans in Buffalo
LINK: Black History Month
Resources for Students
40 Inspiring Black History Student Activities
Black History Month Resources for the classroom
Black Women In History Kids May Not Know (But Should Study!)
Martin Luther King Jr Lessons and Activities for Kids
19 Harriet Tubman Lessons, Activities and Projects for Kids
The untold story of the Underground Railroad
Explore African American Heritage in Buffalo
Videos:
Buffalo: Lift every voice (3:38)
Sources
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/01/1150977600/black-history-month-2023-theme-3-things-to-know