In celebration of Black History Month, in addition to our weekly prompts to Get Outside, every Wednesday in February, we will be exploring the history of 4-H and Black History.
If we’re to live up to our own time,
Then victory won’t lie in the blade,
But in all the bridges we’ve made.
That is the promise to glade,
The hill we climb,
If only we dare.
It’s because being American
is more than a pride we inherit.
It’s the past we step into
And how we repair it.
The Hill Will Climb
Amanda Gorman
2021 Inaugural Poem
The story of Black History Month began in 1915 with a celebration of the 50 anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States. One of the attendees, Carter G. Woodson, was inspired by this three week long celebration and went on to found the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Then in 1926 the ASALH created a “National Negro History Week”, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
Throughout the 20th century “National Negro History Week” grew in popularity as did the effort to expand the study of black history in schools. As early as the 1940s, people started to celebrate February as Negro History Month, and finally in 1976 President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized the observance of Black History Month.
Read more:
Origins of Black History Month – Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Black History Month – History.com
Black History Month should serve as an exhilarating time to fill in the gaps left by textbooks and state curriculum standards. It should also inspire teachers to continue this education beyond February, teaching black and non-black students how they can affirm the existence and humanity of black lives year-round.
Black History Month: Teaching Beyond Slavery
Learning for Justice
A Project of the Southern Poverty Law Center
There are so many opportunities to celebrate Black History Month this year, especially as many events are virtual. Here are some opportunities for you and your children.
Joyful Fridays – Programs for Children ages 4 to 8
Friday, February 5th @ 11:00 am
Hats, Hair and Headwear – SOLD OUT
Friday, February 12th @ 11:00 am
Black Music and Imagination
Friday, February 19th @ 11:00 am
Black Women Artists
Friday, February 26th @ 11:00 am
Activist Art
Artists at Home: School Outreach – Program for Children Grades 3-8
Unfortunately this program is so popular that is is sold out through March, but you should check back for future sessions.
Other Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 4th @ 7:00 pm
A Seat at the Table: Prison Reform and Restorative Justice
Tuesday, February 23rd @ 7:00 pm
Historically Speaking: The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on the African American Community
Tuesday, February 16th @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
State of Black New York – Hudson Valley Region
Monday, February 15th – Sunday, February 28th, 2021
Self-Guided Sojourner Truth Community Ride
This is a unique opportunity to take a self-guided car-ride to visit historic sites significant to the life of legendary Abolitionist, Sojourner Truth.
Exploring African-American History through Books, Websites, & More
Don’t forget that your local library is an excellent resource. Most libraries have curbside pick-up and a plethora of eBooks.
We be back on Friday with another reminder to Get Outside!