2017 Black History Month...Established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson
The cultural cords of our country represent the inherent strength that makes us powerful as a nation. The history of all of our various ethnic and cultural groups are to be celebrated. In the month of February, the history of African Americans is celebrated. What may not be familiar to most, is that black history had barely begun to be studied-or even documented-when the tradition started. Considering the presence and contributions of blacks in America since colonial times, it was only in the 20th century when black history gained an acknowledged presence in history books. To that end, we must look to the influence of the African American historian Carter G. Woodson.
Dr. Woodson was born to parents who were former slaves, as a child he worked in the Kentucky coal mines and began his high school education when he was twenty. Continuing his education he finished college and ultimately earned his Ph.D. from Harvard. Thirsting for documented history of trials, tragedies and as well as successful and positive upliftings of his ethnic brethren, Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History proclaimed in 1926 the second week of February to be "Negro History Week." It wouldn't be for another 50 years that every U.S. president would officially acknowledge the month of February as Black History Month.
Let's celebrate the richness of our land and the many people who've helped make it a land of prosperity and hope. Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967) says it best with a poem about hope and dreams.
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.
Enjoy the month of February, there's so much to do by us all to talk, tell and share what African Americans have contributed to the advancement of our nation.
