In 1976, the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, asked the country to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history” as he officially recognized Black History Month.
The concept began in 1915 when Carter G. Woodson, along with four others, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). The association’s purpose was to encourage scholars to study the history of the Black population. Today, the ASNLH is known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The organization promotes the study of African American history throughout the year.
The association produced The Journal of Negro History which was edited by Woodson. In 1924, Woodson encouraged his college fraternity to begin Negro History and Literature Week. A couple of years later, Woodson and the ASNLH began Negro History Week in February 1926. Black history clubs were started, and teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils.
In the 1960s, Negro History Week began to progress into Black History Month and became official in 1976.
February was chosen because President Abraham Lincoln and African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass were born in February. Woodson honored the legacies of Lincoln and Douglass and simply expanded the existing celebration of their births to honor the history and achievements of all Black people.
Black History Month has a new theme each year. For 2023, the theme is “Black Resistance.” The theme explores how “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings,” since the nation’s earliest days.”
Celebrate Black History Month
During February the city of Garland will celebrate with events such as lectures, movies and exhibits that recognize the history of Black Americans. Events are as follows:
First Black Community Leaders in Garland Exhibit – Throughout February
View the Garland Landmark Museum’s exhibit of first Black community leaders in Garland throughout February at the North Garland Branch Library, 3845 North Garland Avenue.
Black History Month Take and Make Crafts – Throughout February
Each week’s takeaway kit will be unique and feature an art activity related to a historical figure. The kits will include instructions and a suggested reading list. Kits will be available at the Central Library, 625 Austin Street, on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, with new kits each Wednesday. Learn more.
Creativity Nights – Tuesdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28
Creativity Nights will feature a new craft each week. Crafts in February will celebrate Black History Month. Some crafts will utilize STEAM concepts, and instructions will be available in English and Spanish. Families with children ages 3 to 9 may drop in at the Central Library, 625 Austin Street, between 6 and 7 p.m. to complete the crafts. No registration required.
Black History Month Lecture – Thursday, Feb. 9
Patrons of all ages can learn about Black history in Garland at a special presentation at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at the North Garland Branch Library, 3845 North Garland Avenue. Ricky McNeal, President of Garland’s NAACP Unit 6256, will present “Anti-Black Violence and Resistance in the Diaspora.” He will describe the obstacles and barriers related to housing, education, employment and community issues that African Americans had to overcome when they migrated to Garland. This event is free and no registration is required. 972-205-2803
Black History Month Movie: “Selma” – Wednesday, Feb. 22
The Cultural Arts Department presents a free showing of the 2014 film “Selma” (rated PG-13) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State Street. The film features a chronicle of Martin Luther King Jr.’s campaign for equal voting rights through an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965. Admission is free and open to the public. Free parking available at the Central Library, 625 Austin Street.
Black History Month Movie: “Just Mercy” – Thursday, Feb. 23
The Cultural Arts Department presents a free showing of the 2019 film “Just Mercy” (rated PG-13) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State Street. World-renowned civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson works to free a wrongly condemned death row prisoner. Admission is free and open to the public. Free parking available at the Central Library, 625 Austin Street
Bake the Book – Saturday, Feb. 25
February’s theme is Black History Month and the books are “Carla Hall’s Soul Food” by Carla Hall or “In Pursuit of Flavor” by Edna Lewis. When all is said and bun, you can enjoy a taste of all the baked goods prepared for the program while discussing the selected book, the month’s theme or baking in general. Event is at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the South Garland Branch Library, 4845 Broadway Blvd. 972-205-3931.
Sources: www.blackhistorymonth.gov, www.history.com, www.britannica.com