Celebrate Black History Month: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
Where It Started - Where We are Going
Dear Inclusive AF Crew!
February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions, resilience, and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. Together, we reflect on the struggles and victories that have shaped our society and recognize the enduring importance of these legacies in our ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.
The Origins of Black History Month
Black History Month traces its roots to the visionary efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, often called the "Father of Black History." In 1926, Dr. Woodson, along with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), established Negro History Week. They chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two figures emblematic of abolition and civil rights in the United States.
Dr. Woodson envisioned this week as an opportunity to highlight Black achievements and embed the significance of Black history within the American narrative. He believed that understanding history was essential for transforming societal attitudes and building a more just future.
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How It Became Black History Month
Negro History Week gained momentum over the decades, with schools and communities across the nation adopting its celebrations. By the 1960s, during the Civil Rights Movement, the week had expanded to encompass a full month within many educational institutions.
Then, in 1976, the United States officially recognized February as Black History Month under President Gerald Ford. Acknowledging the occasion during the bicentennial celebration of the nation's independence, President Ford urged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor." Since then, Black History Month has been celebrated annually, not just as a moment to reflect on the past, but as a call to action for the present and future.
Why Black History Month Matters
Black History Month is a celebration of culture, resilience, and progress. It reminds us that Black history is American history and that recognizing these narratives enriches our collective identity. Through understanding the past, we can gain insight into the systemic challenges present today—and take meaningful steps toward change.
This month also highlights unsung heroes who have made groundbreaking contributions across fields like science, art, literature, social justice, and beyond. It is a time to celebrate figures like Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer, and countless others whose impact continues to resonate.
How You Can Get Involved
We invite you to actively engage in Black History Month! Here are a few ways to participate and deepen your understanding of Black history and culture:
Attend Events: Participate in local webinars, lectures, and cultural showcases honoring Black history.
Educate Yourself: Explore books, documentaries, and resources about Black experiences and achievements.
Support Black-Led Initiatives: Contribute to organizations and businesses that uplift Black communities.
Support Black-Owned Businesses: Download the BLAPP app to find Black-Owned businesses across the US.
Reflect and Share: Have meaningful conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about the ongoing impact of Black history.
The Future of Black History
Black History Month has long been a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals in shaping our world. From its origins as Negro History Week, championed by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926, to its recognition as a month-long celebration in 1976, it has evolved into a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs of Black communities. But as we reflect on the past, it's equally important to turn our gaze forward. What does the future of Black history look like, and how can we ensure it continues to thrive in meaningful ways?
Preserving and Promoting Black History
As you may be aware, the DOD cancelled all identity months. That makes the preservation of Black history even more important but even more challenging. Disparities in access to resources and education often hinder the acknowledgment and inclusion of Black narratives in mainstream historical accounts. Urban redevelopment, for example, has contributed to the destruction of historic Black neighborhoods, erasing physical landmarks of cultural significance. Racism STILL exists and with state and federal movements to dismantle all things diversity, it’s even more important to maintain and support Black history. After all, Black History is American History.
Yet, advancements in technology offer new ways to safeguard Black history. Digital archives, virtual museums, and storytelling platforms are playing a crucial role in preserving artifacts, oral histories, and personal stories. Projects like the “African American Civil War Soldiers Database” and initiatives by online platforms showcasing historic documents have made Black history more accessible than ever before.
Education remains integral to advancing Black history. Expanding school curriculums to include a broader and more accurate representation of Black achievements ensures that younger generations grow up understanding the depth and breadth of this history. Teachers, historians, and community advocates are spearheading efforts to normalize Black history as a central part of global history, not a supplemental narrative. And, BTW - no one is teaching Critical Race Theory (insert eye-roll).
The Role of Emerging Voices
The future of Black history is being shaped by compelling new voices and grassroots movements. Activists, scholars, and artists are reframing how the stories of the Black experience are told. Authors like Ibram X. Kendi and Ta-Nehisi Coates are challenging systemic racism through their writing, while filmmakers such as Ava DuVernay, Dee Rees and Shonda Rhimes use visual storytelling to amplify voices often excluded from traditional narratives.
Community-based movements like Black Lives Matter are not just advocating for social justice but are also demanding a recognition of Black history in contemporary conversations. They remind us of the living legacy of Black history and its direct influence on ongoing struggles for equity and equality.
At the same time, younger generations have embraced the power of digital activism. Through social media, they are creating spaces to share cultural pride, educate others, and advocate for change. This vibrant engagement ensures that Black stories remain visible and relevant to modern audiences.
Building a Shared Future
For Black history to flourish, it will require collective effort. Communities, institutions, and individuals must work together to ensure that these stories are not just remembered but celebrated and carried forward. Here are a few ways we can shape the future of Black history together:
Learn and Educate: Commit to continuous learning about Black history and Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Share resources with others and advocate for inclusive curriculums in schools and universities.
Support Digital Preservation: Contribute to projects that digitize archives and create online platforms for sharing Black narratives. Your support ensures these efforts remain sustainable and impactful.
Uplift Emerging Voices: Celebrate and amplify the work of Black authors, artists, historians, and activists shaping today’s narrative. Engage with their work and share it within your communities.
Engage Locally: Get involved with initiatives that spotlight Black history in your area, such as museum exhibits, public talks, and restoration projects for historic sites.
Advocate for Representation: Push for equitable representation of Black voices in media, politics, and leadership roles. This advocacy ensures that future generations see themselves reflected in the world around them.
A Call to Action
The future of Black history is vibrant and full of promise, but it requires active participation. Together, we can honor the past while shaping a future that recognizes and celebrates the immense contributions of Black individuals to society.
By learning, supporting, and uniting around a shared commitment to equity and understanding, we can help ensure that Black history remains a living, evolving legacy—one that continues to inspire and inform generations to come. The future of Black history is not just a reflection of where we’ve been, but a blueprint for where we are headed.
Will you be part of this movement?