LA County Library: African American And Black History Month

Press release from LA County Library:

January 26, 2022

February is African American and Black History Month, a time to recognize, celebrate, and honor the rich and diverse history and important contributions and achievements of Black and African Americans. We’re celebrating all month with virtual programs for all ages, including a genealogy workshop, Virtual Storytime, and art activities.

In 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson—historian, teacher, and author—founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). In February 1926, Woodson proposed the establishment of Negro History Week to honor the history of African Americans, and their contributions to American life. Dr. Woodson, known as the Father of Black History, chose the second week of February because it commemorates the birthdays of 2 men who greatly affected the African American community: Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). Negro History Week became Black History Week in the early 1970s. In 1976, the week-long observance was expanded to a month in honor of the nation’s bicentennial.

Black History Month continues to be supported by ASALH, its founding organization, who also designates its annual theme. The 2022 theme is Black Health and Wellness.

ASALH African American Genealogy Workshop Smarty Pants Storytime: African American & Black History Month Poetry Appreciation Heart and Hand Virtual Book Talk: The Legacy of Bruce’s Beach In Conversation: Patrisse Cullors and Angela Davis Tattooing the African Diaspora with James Spooner Celebrating Juneteenth Eyes on Snapshots I Have a Dream Speech The King Center The Seattle Times: Martin Luther King, Jr. Stanford University: The King Papers Project National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

This press release was produced by LA County Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.