The month of February is observed annually in the United States and other parts of the world as Black History Month.
The commemoration of Black History Month is geared towards highlighting African history and the struggle of its people for racial equality who have paved the way for the generations of today and tomorrow.
As Marcus Garvey rightfully stated “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots”, Black history serves as both a reminder and the importance of preserving the African culture.
In recognition of Black History Month, here are some key facts you should know about the month.
- The celebration of Black History Month first began as Negro History Week created by African American historian Carter G. Wooden in 1926. I later began as a month-long long in 1976.
2. The month of February was selected for the celebration as it coincides with the birthday of former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, who was responsible for the Emancipation Proclamation, and the African-American orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglas.
3. The month is celebrated in February in the U.S. and Canada. The month is celebrated in October in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
4. Several civil rights leaders contributed to the celebration of Black History Month such as Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, John Lewis, Marcus Garvey, Barbara Jordan, and Martin Luther King Jr.
5. The theme for Black History Month changes each year. This year, the month is being observed under the theme; “African Americans and the Arts,” which highlights the influence of African Americans on the fields of arts.
In commemoration of Black History Month, you can join the Universal Negro Improvement Association of Jamaica at their mass meeting on Sunday, February 4 at Liberty Hall in Kingston featuring African YouTuber Mr Ghana Baby.
Visit the UNIA Jamaica social media page for more details.
Comments