Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans, as well as a time to recognize the key role of black people in United States history. Black History Month serves as a safe space for African American people to celebrate all of their hard work and to reflect on the ongoing struggles they have worked to and are still working to overcome. With the impact of Black History Month, black stories have been afforded the platform they deserve to garner attention and growth. TFCU hopes to continue to shed light on these stories year-round.
National African American History Month first began in 1915 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which is now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Through this organization, Woodson urged others to join in promoting the achievements of black Americans. He continued these efforts through 1926 when he coined “Negro History Week.” We now know and refer to Dr. Woodson’s extraordinary efforts as Black History Month.
Black History Month was first nationally recognized in 1969 at Kent State University in Ohio, a little over 50 years ago. A few years later in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially designated February as Black History Month and encouraged the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Black History Month has since been nationally recognized by every United States president, African American people and allies of African American people around the world.
Black History Month can be celebrated by anyone, as it is a time where we are all compelled to remember, honor and highlight black people and events throughout history. Your support can begin with supporting local black-owned businesses in your community, reading books, watching documentaries, educating those around you and volunteering with local organizations like the NAACP, Black Chamber of Commerce, Urban League and more.
Each week, we’ll share different ways you can support Black History Month. Be sure you’re following @TinkerFCU on social media so you don’t miss a thing.