Part 1: February 2023: Black History Month

Posted On Thursday February 02, 2023

Contributor: The I.D.E.A Committee

As an organization that serves a diverse population we welcome the opportunity to continue to grow our knowledge in this area. February is Black History Month, which is a perfect opportunity for us to purposefully make time to focus our attention on expanding our knowledge in this specific area. Below we have included several resources that you may find useful. We realize that this ongoing learning goes beyond just 1 month a year, but this is the perfect time to acknowledge & celebrate black history &  begin expanding our knowledge in this area; and sharing the knowledge that we learn.

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.  

Black History Month: Did you know?

LINK:  Learn more about Black History Month

LINK: The Man Behind Black History Month

  • 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. This year, the 2023 theme is “Black Resistance”,  explores how "African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings," since the nation's earliest days.

 

  • 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.

Want to learn more?

 LINK: Learn more about the rich history of Black Americans in Buffalo

LINK: Black History Month

LINK: Black history month: Three important things to know

LINK: Black History Documentaries

Click THIS LINK  to learn more interesting facts about Mr. Carter Woodson, and what led him to be this historic scholar that he is known for today. 

 

Celebrate and Teach:

LINK: Black History 2023 Lesson Plans

LINK: The untold story of the Underground Railroad

LINK: 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