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Black History Month is an annual observance of the accomplishments, achievements, and central role of blacks in United States history. Although the concept of celebrating black history was initiated by Carter G. Woodson in the year 1926, the United States has officially adopted black history month as an official holiday every February since 1976 under the presidency of Gerald Ford. 

During the first national celebration of Black History Month, Ford requested the American population to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Have you ever wondered, why February? February was chosen as recognition month due to the date of Frederick Douglass’s birthday (February 14^th) and the birthday of Abraham Lincoln (February 12^th), because both were historic figures in the recognition of black rights and history.

Every year since inception, Black History Month has a designated theme from the serving U.S. President. “African Americans and the Vote” is the selected theme for 2020, paying homage to the 100^th anniversary of the women’s suffrage and the 150^th anniversary of granting black men the right to vote.

Initial adoption of Black History Month was most successful amongst college campuses. Today, Black History Month serves as a powerful national dedication and learning opportunity to remind ourselves of our past, present, and future of the black history, the human condition, and connection across communities.

You may have recently seen #TheMostSearched commercial recently produced by Google.

If you missed it, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qyiautg41h8

The video shares the top Google-searched black moments in history through time. Influential and commanding individuals, from present day to the not-so-far past, are shown in a heartful tribute to black history. The online response has been overwhelming. The video serves as a reminder of all we have to celebrate during this month.

There are many opportunities to celebrate, and honor, Black History Month locally:

Event: Screening of ‘WAVES’ / The Black Cinema Series
Location: The Little Theatre
Date/Time: Friday, February 7, 2020 – 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $9 per ticket
More Info: https://thelittle.org/series/black-cinema-series

Event: An Evening of Art & Jazz and Food Tasting
Location: City Hill Link Gallery and Atrium (30 Church St.)
Date/Time: Friday, February 7, 2020 – 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/bhm/

Event: Black History Month Celebration Day
Location: Memorial Art Gallery of University of Rochester
Date/Time: Sunday, February 9, 2020 – 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE – suggested donation $5
More Info: https://mag.rochester.edu/events/familydays/

Event: Heritage Gospel Concert
Location: First Genesis Baptist Church (292 Hudson Ave.)
Date/Time: Saturday, February 15, 2020 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/bhm/

Event: Black History Month Lesson: Black Inventors
Location: Irondequoit Public Library
Date/Time: Saturday, February 15, 2020 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
More Info: http://irondequoitlibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar

Event: Black History Didn’t Start with Slavery
Location: 540WMain, Inc.
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 18, 2020 – 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 per ticket
More Info: https://540westmain.org/

Event: Black Heritage Month Celebration
Location: Southwest YMCA
Date/Time: Friday, February 21, 2020 – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person, tickets required (open to the public)
More Info: https://rochesterymca.org/southwest/blog/announcements/black-heritage-celebration/

Event: Black Heritage Committee and Garth Fagan Dance Community Celebration
Location: The Hochstein School (50 N. Plymouth Ave.)
Date/Time: Saturday, February 29, 2020 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 per adult, children are free [purchase at City Hall]
More Info: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/bhm/

Also, WXXI will be hosting a series of programing surrounding the theme of Black History Month.
Find their full schedule of programs here: https://www.wxxi.org/bh

What are your reflections this month? How has Black History Month impacted your life? What would be a great theme for 2021? Let us know, in the comments below, how you’re celebrating Black History Month!