February is Black History Month, an annual tribute to generations of African Americans whose invaluable contributions to this country were often achieved in the face of tremendous adversity. Originally a week-long observance created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, the event is celebrated in February to acknowledge the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, the celebration was expanded to a month by President Gerald R. Ford, who urged Americans to: “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) declared that the celebration’s theme for 2024 is: “African Americans and the Arts - Art as a Platform for Social Justice.” Click here to learn more from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Click here to learn more about past and present themes from the ASALH website. And, carry the momentum forward by studying African American history throughout the year. Get started by clicking on the book jackets below to be taken to links in our catalog.
"Black History Month…is about taking an unvarnished look at the past so we can create a better future. It’s a reminder of where we as a country have been so that we know where we need to go." President Barack Obama, 2016
"Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." John Lewis
“Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave.” Maya Angelou