Introduction
to Black History Month
So Much
to Learn
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
resource section
with valuable links, a suggested reading list and a quiz
to test your knowledge. Our last section is a special
edition highlighting current
events and
African-Americans who are making a difference in the world today.
OVERVIEW
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 1st 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 1/2 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
Black History
Worksheets
|
Find
these words significant in the history of Blacks in America.
|
Can
you discover the meaning of the mixed up terms?
|
Think
you know everything about Black History? Test your knowledge.
|
|
*Adobe
Acrobat required for worksheets
Noteworthy
Curriculum Add-on:
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
