by PPH resident Carol Drummond
The theme for this year’s Black History Month is “Black Resistance”, focusing on how African Americans, even though they have been oppressed in all facets of their lives, have risen through all aspects of adversity. There will be multiple events throughout the month of February at PPH which will reveal how so many African Americans have persevered their dignity through trails and tribulations to achieve success.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson
Black History Month is a federally recognized event that is celebrated nationwide. Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) is credited with creating this opportunity to recognize and reflect the impact African Americans have had in this country. Dr. Woodson, the son of former slaves, spent little time in school. He worked in the coal mines, quarries and his formal education was intermittent. At the age of 17, Dr. Woodson taught himself basic english and math skills. When Woodson was 20, he was able to enroll in high school and completed a four-year curriculum in two years. Dr. Woodson would go on to earn a Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago, as well as his doctorate from Harvard University.
In 1926, Dr. Woodson established Negro History Week. “We should emphasize not Negro History, but the Negro in history. What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice”, Dr. Woodson stated.
The week would be expanded to a month-long celebration, known as Black History Month. The celebration is every February when both President Abraham Lincoln’s (February 12, 1809) and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays (February 14, 1818) occur.
Frederick Douglass
In the words of Marcus Garvey, “A people without knowledge of their past, history, origin or culture is like a tree without roots.”
This month’s activity calendar and flyers will highlight films, presentations, and events that emphasize Black History Month’s theme, as well as Marcus Garvey’s poetic words.