February is Black History Month, a tribute to the generations of Black Americans who struggled through adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society. Black History Month is a time to recognize the group’s central role and their significant contributions to not just our country, but the rest of the world, including in the fields of science, politics, law, sports, the arts, entertainment.
Pioneers in American history include Shirley Chrisholm, who was elected as the first African American Congresswoman in 1968, Dorothy Height, called the matriarch of the civil rights movement, Jesse Owens, a track-and-field athlete who was the first American to win four gold medals at the Olympics, and Dr. Alexa Canady who broke gender and color barriers when she became the first African American woman neurosurgeon in 1950.
Black History Month started as Black History Week in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson, now known as the “Father of Black History,” created an organization called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which was dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized the holiday and established a nationwide observance every February as Black History Month.
This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Resistance.” African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial persecutions, and police violence. By resisting, the Black community have achieved triumphs, successes, and progress as seen in the abolition of slavery, dismantling of Jim and Jane Crow segregation in the South, increased political representation at all levels of government, desegregation of educational institutions, and more! 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.
More Information:
The Innocence Project Shares Books that have Inspired Them to Reflect on Black History Month
Explore the Best Black Art Shows in Los Angeles
Explore Black Owned Businesses in Los Angeles: www.blackownedinLA.com
2023 Black History Month Festival in Los Angeles: www.lablackhistorymonthfestival.com
We recognize, honor, and acknowledge the contributions and achievements of Black Americans, and are dedicated to making impactful changes every day for the community.
