Celebrating The Origins of Black History Month

Carter Godwin Woodson was one of the first scholars to study the history of Black folks in the United States. Woodson has been called the "father of Black history." In February 1926, he launched the celebration of "Negro History Week," the precursor of Black History Month.

Black history is a complex, multi-layered tapestry woven with threads of resilience, trauma, triumph, and profound cultural, artistic, and intellectual contributions. It spans from the horrors of slavery and the fight for civil rights to the vibrancy of the Harlem Renaissance a narrative that represents an enduring, indomitable spirit.

If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there’s shouting after you, keep going. Don’t ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going. - Harriet Tubman

The Black History Tapestry

The tapestry originates with the forced, harrowing journey of millions of Africans through the Atlantic slave trade, yet this period also established a foundation of strength and community.

Key figures such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Fannie Lou Hamer, and George Washington Carver represent the crucial, ongoing fight for freedom and intellectual advancement, further customizing the tapestery.

The tapestry is richly colored by the Harlem Renaissance. Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston were crucial to the profound influence of Black artists on music, literature, and art, reflecting joy, sorrow, and identity.

I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. I do not mind at all. - Zora Neal Hurston

Black history is not static; it is constantly evolving, with new generations weaving their own stories of progress, activism, and cultural impact. This rich,, interwoven history is celebrated for its diversity and its essential role in shaping the broader cultural, social, and political landscape.

Happy Black History Month