The origins of Black History Month stretch back nearly a century ago to 1926, when the Association for the Study of African American Life and History launched a national Negro History week in the second week of February to honor Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglas’s birthdays. Local schools and colleges learned of the celebration, and before long, many towns were recognizing the commemorative week. After the work of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s that brought the struggles of Black American’s to light in the world, President Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month in 1976. Since that announcement, every president has celebrated Black History Month, and a corresponding theme.
In 2020, the theme of February’s Black History Month is “African American’s and the Vote” honoring the 100 years that have passed since women gained the right to vote, and the 150 years since Black men were legally allowed to vote in the United States. With the presidential election season upon us, it more important now than ever that we all practice our constitutional right and duty to vote.
In honor of our constitutional rights, and the hard work of all of our ancestors before us to make this country more equitable for all, let’s take a look at some of the Black History Month celebrations around the nation. If you attend any event in your city, please take photos and share your experience!
WASHINGTON DC:
- Smithsonian African Art Museum “I AM Africa” Tours every day during the month of February at 10:30 am and 2 pm
BOSTON:
- “Selma” movie screening and panel Thursday, February 27, 2020, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Suffolk Construction, 65 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02219
ATLANTA:
- Black History Month Film Festival Friday February 21, 2010 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wolf Creek Branch Library
TAMPA:
- 2020 Black Heritage Expo: February 29th1-5 p.m. University Mall, Tampa.
LOS ANGELES:
- Black History Month Festival February 23rdm.-7 p.m. Leimert Park Village Plaza
SAN DIEGO:
- Black History Month Celebration – February 29th 1-5p.m. Library Guest Speaker Dennis Biddle Logan Heights Library
