The Patriot Post

        Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 Student Newsletter

Volume 1 Issue 5

Celebrating Black History Month

-Talaya Caldwell

As an African American female, I take pride in celebrating my ancestors during the month of February.  While we have celebrated Black History Month for as long as I can remember, I don’t know too many details on why we actually have a special month.   I found out that “Black History Month is a month set aside to learn, honor, and celebrate the achievements of black men and women throughout history” and other great information.

“The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to a man named Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950). Woodson, the son of former slaves, was an amazing man in his own right. Since his family was too poor to send him to school as a child, he taught himself the basics of a school education. At age 20, Woodson was finally able to attend high school, which he completed in just two years.  He then went on to earn a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Chicago. In 1912, Woodson became only the second African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University.  He used his hard-earned education to teach.

In 1915, Woodson traveled to Chicago to participate in a three-week celebration of the 50th anniversary of the end of slavery. This trip had an impact on him.  The excitement and enthusiasm generated by the events inspired Woodson to continue the study of black history year-round. Before leaving Chicago, Woodson and four others created the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) on September 9, 1915. The following year, the ASNLH began publication of the Journal of Negro History.

Woodson realized that most textbooks at the time ignored the history and achievements of blacks. Thus, in addition to the journal, he wanted to find a way to encourage interest and study of black history. In 1926, Woodson promoted the idea of a "Negro History Week," which was to be held during the second week of February. Woodson originally chose the second week of February to celebrate Negro History Week because the week included the birthdays of two important men: President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14).  The idea caught on quickly and Negro History Week was soon celebrated around the United States. With a high demand for study materials, the ASNLH began to produce pictures, posters, and lesson plans to help teachers bring Negro History Week into schools. In 1937, the ASNLH also began producing the Negro History Bulletin, which focused on an annual theme for Negro History Week.

In 1976, the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Negro History Week and the bicentennial of the United States' independence, Black History Week was expanded to Black History Month. Ever since then, Black History Month has been celebrated in February around the country.  Dr. Woodson often said that he hoped the time would come when Negro History Week would be unnecessary; when all Americans would willingly recognize the contributions of Black Americans as a legitimate and integral part of the history of this country. Dr. Woodson's outstanding historical research influenced others to carry on his work.” (‘NAACP’ http://www.naacp.org/pages/naacp-history-Carter-G.-Woodson and ’about education’ (http://history1900s.about.com/od/1920s/p/blackhistorymonth.htm.)

                Learning about Woodson was inspiring to me because it is important to know our history and who originated black history month.  Like Woodson, I hope there comes a day that more people are inspired to bring out more important history that needs to be known about.  We all need to work together to make our country the best it can be!