Video Of The Week - February Is Black History Month
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Every February, Americans celebrate Black History Month. It was established in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a historian who wanted to ensure that significant contributions made by African American men and women throughout history, would never be forgotten.
Woodson picked the second week of February for what he called Negro History Week because it coincides with the birthdays of two US leaders that helped African Americans gain equality - President Abraham Lincoln (Feb 12) and human rights activist, Frederick Douglass (Feb 14). He encouraged schools and communities across the country to celebrate the week by organizing local events, establishing history clubs and staging performances and lectures. His idea resonated with both African Americans and the progressive white population. By the late 1960's, many college campuses began dedicating the entire month of February to this endeavor and Black History Month was born.
In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford endorsed the celebration, asking the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of African Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Since then, Black History Month has been a fixture on the American calendar. Every year the Association for the Study of African American Life & History assigns a unique theme. For 2016 they selected Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories.
It was picked to highlight the centennial celebration of the National Park Service and the more than twenty-five sites and the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom that are part of America’s hallowed grounds. Among them is the home of Dr. Carter G, Woodson, the mastermind of this celebration. Canada also celebrates the month in February, while the United Kingdom commemorates the event in October.
Resources: history.com
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- astoover 8 yearsfebruary is black history month he wanted to ensure the important contributions made by african americans men and women throughout history negro history week because it coincide with the birthdays of the 2 u.s. presidents that helped us gain equality celebrate with activities that will encourage others not everyone has equal rights and till this day people are struggling based on there color so atleast we can feel supported thr6u this month its something we can call our as a whole
- Henry torresover 8 yearsi think is a good reason to celebrate something so important
- Bricover 8 years1.The second week of February, to make sure that the things that the black men and women did would not be forgotten 2. woodson called it negro history week,cause it was the birthday of two US leaders that helped African Americans 3.In 1976 president Gerald R. Ford endorsed the celebration ,they study a certain theme
- B.C.over 8 years1. 2nd week of February.To remind us of the importance of African-Americans. 2. Negro History week.He decided to celebrate it then because it aligned with Abraham Lincoln's birthday and Fredrick Douglas's birthday. 3. To remember Carter G. Woodson after his death and because it was growing more popular. Remember the heritage and the people who worked hard for what they have now.
- jpazover 8 years1.every february and the purpose is because he/she didnt wanted to forget about the africans americans. 2.
- eazy aover 8 yearsFebruary to make shore the Negros hard ship was remembered. negro history week to coincide with Abraham liken and Fredrick Douglass . colleges started it go over black history.
- mcover 8 years1. nigarow history week became black history month.cool
- montaover 8 yearsy did they do that to black people we was not going to hurt them idk y they dont like us
- ThatOneWeirdoover 8 yearsNothing Offensive Meant Honestly, Black History Month should be honored more. I mean, looking back we can all see presicely how much we've put ourselves through, and the term "History will repeat itself" is true, and could haappen if we forget what happened in the past. Just saying.
- tsnellover 8 yearsthis is so cool...... now i know why they call it black history month .............