Tag: Carter G. Woodson

Posted in Black Joy, Celebration, Holiday Celebration!!

Black History Month 2024

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Not only is today the start of a new month but also the beginning of Black History Month!! First established as Negro History Week in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, Woodson created this holiday to not “dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.” I also take this to mean that Black History Month while celebrated in February can and should be celebrated all year round.

As part of the celebration, The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) establishes yearly themes that “reflect changes in how people of African descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the black community.” This year’s theme is “African Americans and the Arts.”

African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans.

ASALH-Black History Themes

This year’s theme really hits home for me as a scholar whose work encompasses the arts from a comic book and pop culture standpoint. I look forward to not only showcasing my work but others in the arts as well!

To jumpstart the day, see the following Black History facts:

  • In 1773, Phillis Wheatley became the first Black American poet to publish a book of verse.
  • In 1878, Marie Selika Williams was the first Black musician to sing at the White House.
  • In 1948, Gordon Parks was hired as the first Black staff photographer at Life magazine.

As you join in on this year’s celebration, check out these resources and tools that will provide additional insight into this cultural celebration:

Posted in Celebration, Holiday Celebration!!

Happy Black History Month!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Today marks the first day of Black History Month 2023!!

This year’s theme as designed by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is “Black Resistance”! Oh how appropriate!! As noted on the ASALH website:

African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms, and police killings since our arrival upon these shores. These efforts have been to advocate for a dignified self-determined life in a just democratic society in the United States and beyond the United States political jurisdiction. The 1950s and 1970s in the United States was defined by actions such as sit-ins, boycotts, walk outs, strikes by Black people and white allies in the fight for justice against discrimination in all sectors of society from employment to education to housing. Black people have had to consistently push the United States to live up to its ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. Systematic oppression has sought to negate much of the dreams of our griots, like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, and our freedom fighters, like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Septima Clark, and Fannie Lou Hamer fought to realize. Black people have sought ways to nurture and protect Black lives, and for autonomy of their physical and intellectual bodies through armed resistance, voluntary emigration, nonviolence, education, literature, sports, media, and legislation/politics. Black led institutions and affiliations have lobbied, litigated, legislated, protested, and achieved success.

And to get your month started check out these few facts about the annual celebration of Black History Month!!

  • Black History Month recognizes All African American Experiences!!
  • Check out this video of the man behind this annual celebration, Carter G. Woodson:
  • Black History Month became nationally recognized officially in 1976
  • The United States and Canada celebrate Black history in February, while the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands honor it during the month of October. 
  • Before it was established as a month long celebration, Black History Month Began as Negro History Week!
Photo by Katerina Holmes on Pexels.com
Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Holiday Celebration!!

Closing Thoughts on Black History Month 2022!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Dr. G’s 2022 Black History Month Reflections*

“Considering the past, living in the present, preparing for the future…”  ~Dr. G

This above thought has been something that I am always thinking about, but especially during Black History Month. So much of what I and my ancestors experienced plays a huge role in who I am, what I do, and my next steps. With all of the recent discussions about critical race theory, book bans and changing curriculums (just to name a few) normalizing the conversations about Black History Month are needed now more than ever.

Sadly, there are still those who continue to say and believe that Black History Month is not needed or even feel that they should have the choice to have their children opt out of Black History Month lessons…yet many Black and Brown students experience mental trauma and abuse in and outside of their classrooms on a daily basis (that’s another post). But I digress and say to those naysayers once again my response is it is very much needed especially now!! And let me further back up this statement from the father of Black History himself Carter G. Woodson as he states that the legacy of Black History Month (originally named ‘Negro History Week”) was never meant to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.” In other words, it was always meant to evolve from a week to a month, to everyday dialogue!!

Reflecting on that pushback, I am reminded of why Black History is necessary every time I step foot in my class and a student tells me “I’m their first Black professor…” or when they learn about Black icons like Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Ella Baker, or Essex Hemphill and they leave my class amazed and yearning for more because this is the first time that they have even heard their names mentioned. In an almost perfect place, I would love to live in a society where Black history, culture, experiences, literature, music, and more are part of the curriculum, particularly K-12, sadly this is still a struggle. However, the journey continues!!

For some, Black History Month serves as a time to face the past, but at the same can be a time of celebration and joy. And while the past has its dark moments, we are not permanently fixed during that time! As I often tell my students, sometimes we have to sit in the discomfort and process it…sometimes we have to sit in the discomfort and ask the hard questions and also listen to the responses that follow…sometimes we have to sit in the discomfort and think about the ways in which we can grow from it…We have to move from seeing Black History Month as an item that we can check off of our to-do list, or as some form of punishment (can’t see how that would be the case, unfortunately some do feel this way) and see it as a time to expand on our existing knowledge, while learning to build community.

Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

This year, I came into celebrating Black History with a little more optimism partly due to this year’s theme, “Black Health and Wellness”!! (To know more about how each theme is selected see here .) The amazing thing about health and wellness is that it comes in many forms, whether it is scheduling time with a therapist, implementing an exercise regimen, taking time out for self-care, walking your dog, spending time with family and friends, taking a cultural excursion, and so much more! For African Americans, highlighting our health and wellness is essential to the mind, body, and soul! As noted by the Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at USC School of Dramatic Arts, “Black joy is the heartbeat and pulse of our survival, our resiliency, our perseverance, our health and wellbeing.”  Despite the struggles that African Americans have and continue to face when it comes to healthcare and wellness, we still persevere!! We are resilient!! So, with that said I charge you with the task of finding that joy through health and wellness!! And while you are at it, take some time to discover the many ways in which African Americans have contributed to the world of health and wellness.

Now you know I cannot let you go without sharing some goodies!! Just in case you need some additional reading (or you want to update your list) materials check out these reading and viewing lists to help keep the spirit of Black History going even after February has ended!

As another February comes to a close, remember Black History Month is another opportunity to continuously learn and grow! Even amidst all that is happening, knowing that I can reflect on the many experiences and achievements of Black folks always gives me a sense of joy and pride!

~Dr. G

*As previously posted with Happy Mama Happy Mini

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., On The Radar, Resources

Black History Month 2022!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

2-2-22

It is that time of the year!! And while I personally see Black History Month as an everyday conversation, I understand that for some this is not the case. With that being said, Happy Black History Month to you all!!

The celebration of Black History Month is a great time for the nation and the world to expand on the many contributions of the Black/African American experience. Established in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson as “Negro History” week , Woodson wanted to make sure people understood not only the experiences but also provide an opportunity to focus on particular themes. The legacy of Negro History week, according to Woodson, was never meant “to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.” Thus, The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) an organization created by Woodson would begin to explore Black History through a yearly theme. The first theme came about in 1928 and it centered around the idea of “Civilization: A World Achievement.” This year’s theme is the importance of “Black Health and Wellness”!

This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. 

With this year’s theme centered on “Black Health and Wellness” (For more information about this click here!) I wanted to provide some tips and resources on making sure you are taking care of the best YOU!!

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com
  • Be Kind To Yourself
  • Exercise…Get an accountability partner or even join a group
  • Keep your body hydrated
  • Incorporate smoothies into your diet
  • Take in nature…It is a great remedy for alleviating stress
  • Start a gratitude journal
  • Make sure to plenty of sleep…To go back to those naps that we took during kindergarten
  • Meditate…whether its 5 minutes or 30 minutes, make sure to give your brain a break
  • Spend time with family and friends!!
  • Check out these podcasts: Therapy for Black Girls, Peace of Mind with Taraji, Black Mental Health Podcast, Black Mental Matters, The Friend Zone, Minding My Black Business, Talking Off The Couch, AFFIRM, Getting Grown (just to name a few)
  • Host a potluck or tapas-style gathering where you focus on a specific cuisine
  • Don’t forget to smile and laugh routinely!!
  • Do something for others just because you can.
  • Tap into your spiritual side
  • Incorporate a daily affirmations routine
  • Try to be spontaneous or try something new each week.
  • Your Boundaries Matter!
  • Soak in some Sunlight and Vitamin D
  • Cultivate a positive mindset
  • Always Invest in Your Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health

Additional books and resources highlighting Black Health and Wellness, click here!

While there is an official celebration of Black History know that this is a 365-24/7 effort for me!!

Photo by Bekka Mongeau on Pexels.com
Posted in Feature Spotlight

Feature Spotlight-Article Repost

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

In the spirit of Black History Month, I wanted to make sure I shared with my BFF family a great article in the “Washington Post” from a colleague/mentor Dr. Keisha Blain on the “Five Myths about Black History.”

Each February since 1976, Americans have celebrated Black History Month. Established by historian Carter G. Woodson as Negro History Week in 1926, the commemoration developed over 50 years until it became Black History Month to mark the contributions of Black people. Despite the significance of Black history, far too many Americans don’t grasp its centrality to U.S. history. This lack of knowledge helps spread myths about the Black past.

~Dr. Keisha N. Blain 2/19/21

Read the full article here!

Dr. Keisha N. Blain is an associate professor of history at the University of Pittsburgh, is a co-editor of Made by History, The Washington Post’s daily section for historical analysis. She is a co-editor of “Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019.“