Introduction to Black History Month

When exploring African-American history and the inception of Black History Month, there are several important aspects on which to focus.   The following is an overview of this special month, a closer look at prominent people and organizations in relation to Black History, and a timeline of important dates to remember.  Also included is a study links section with valuable links, a suggested reading list and a quiz to test your knowledge.  Our last section is a special edition highlighting African-Americans who are Making a Difference in the world today.

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One of the most frequently asked questions about Black History Month is, why February?  February was chosen to celebrate African-American heritage because of the pioneers and institutions born in this month.  Eubie Blake, W.E.B. Du Bois, Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks, and Langston Hughes all celebrated birthdays in February.  The NAACP and 1^st Pan African Congress were started in this month as well.  You can find detailed information on these people, organizations and more in the people and organizations section.

According to Yaw Boateng, Professor of Education at Eastern Washington University, the idea behind Black History Month is the ‘reaffirmation of struggle and determination to change attitudes and heighten the understanding of the African experience.’  It is also important, he said, to ‘examine the collective ingenuity, creativity, cultural, and political experiences’.  It’s very important that everyone become involved in reading and analyzing events that helped to shape the history of The United States.  Becoming involved with Black History Month is one way to do this.

Frederick Douglass estimated that there were 3 million slaves in the years before the Civil War. 

Between the years 1890 and 1925 it is estimated that an African American was lynched every 2 days. 

If those calculations haven’t captured your attention, you need to read on.

Source:              Yaw Boateng, Professor of Education, Eastern Washington University & Biography.com

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Arkansas African American History Makers Coloring Book

The Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission recently released the first Arkansas African American History Makers Coloring Book. This coloring book will help young people gain a greater awareness of the tremendous contributions African American citizens have made in the United States (specifically in the state of Arkansas).

Source:     The Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission