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You Need to Know The Origin of Black History Month

By Author
February 8, 2023

You Need to Know The Origin of Black History Month

History

Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is an annual day of celebration to honor and spotlight the many outstanding achievements black people have made in and for our country. Since 1976, every president in U.S. history has declared February as Black History Month. This article will explore the origins of Black History Month, key facts to know, and the importance of representation.

It may come as a surprise to many that the origins of Black History Month didn’t begin until 1915, half a century after the 13th Amendment passed to end slavery in the U.S. It all started with Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland – a Harvard-trained historian and well-known minister – who founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization they created to research and highlight achievements by Black Americans. Today this organization is known as The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

In 1926, the association dedicated a week to honor and celebrate Negro History Week in accordance with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This very first Negro History Week ended up inspiring other communities, including schools, to gather and coordinate local celebrations, performances, and lectures. In the decades that followed, many mayors across the country began to honor “Negro History Week.”

Largely thanks to the civil rights movement and more and more people waking up to the importance of honoring black identity, this week evolved into Black History Month throughout the country and on many student campuses. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in the U.S. He emphasized that people needed to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Facts to Know about Black History Month:

The 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, was ratified in 1865, following the civil war. The first attempt at legitimately honoring Black Americans wasn’t until 1915.

Two influential black men worked diligently to start The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting contributions made by Black Americans.

In 1926, the first Negro History Week occurred.

In 1976, Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and called on the American people to seize the opportunity to honor the accomplishments made by Black Americans.

This year’s Black History Month theme is Black Resistance.

This month of February marks Black History Month and is a time to pay homage to the many contributions of African Americans across history. From activists and civil rights heroes like Harriet Tubman, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks to historical figures like Frederick Douglass, there is no question of the massive impact black people have had on our country.

This year’s Black History Month theme is “Black Resistance,” which encourages us all to reflect, explore, and honor how African Americans have resisted oppression since the beginning of our country up until today. We have much work to do as a society, but it’s paramount that we take time to celebrate the strides Black Americans have made and continue to make to move the needle forward for America and the world at large.

When you think of the well-being of a child, you first think of basic needs: food, water, and shelter. Once these needs are met, however, it’s crucial for a child to have emotional and social wellness as well. In this article, we will explore the impact social wellness has on the overall health of a child and great ways for children to garner social support in their lives.

It comes as no surprise that as human beings, we all need connection with others, no matter what stage of life we are in. In fact, having social support is a social determinant of health (SDOH) that significantly impacts the health of an individual. After spending the last few years in and out of isolation due to the Covid-19 outbreak, social support is more important now than ever before. Having social support means having family members and friends you can talk to and seek advice from when life feels challenging and overwhelming. Knowing you’re not alone in your life journey, especially as a child, creates a sense of belonging and empowerment throughout one’s life.

4 Types of Social Support

Emotional Support. This type of support lets you know that people care about you and have empathy for your experiences. Emotional support often looks like people checking in on you to let you know they’re thinking of you, and that they are there if you need anything. As a parent, make sure your child knows you can be a sounding board for them. If you have family members who can also show up for your children in this way, even better!

Practical Help. This type of support is when people give you something tangible or offer a service to help you out. This could be in the form of money, making food when you are sick, or helping to pack when moving. Having family and friends show up in this way shows your child what it looks like to be present for people you love.

Sharing Points of View. This type of support can often come in the form of affirmations and encouragement. For example, pointing out your child’s strengths to them and reminding them they can do anything they put their mind to. It can also look like sharing another perspective if they are being hard on themselves. For example, if they are angry with themselves after receiving a bad grade on a test, you can help them see it as a learning experience and a way for them to grow.

Sharing Information. This type of support is when someone shares what they’ve learned from their own life experiences. For example, if another parent has a child who struggles with socializing, they can share some tips and tricks they’ve learned to help their child find and create social support.

The Importance of Social Groups and Extended Support

Children who are connected to their family, friends, and people in their community have opportunities to learn how to speak, share, and get along with others. When your child feels connected to people in your neighborhood, it often allows them to feel physically safe which can alleviate stress and worry. Simply riding bikes, going on walks, and saying hello to neighbors with your kids can create this sense of security for them.

In addition to engaging with your neighbors, getting involved in local organizations can also create social support for your child. Signing up for a sports team, musical theater, art class or summer camp are all great ways to help your child meet new friends and learn important social skills that can carry them through their lives.

Tips for Helping Kids Make Community Connections:

Spend time outside in your neighborhood playing on the playground, going to a local farmer’s market, or scheduling a playdate with neighborhood kids.

Show your kids that connection is a two-way street. If your neighbors or friends go out of town, offer to get their mail, or water their plants and take your child with you when you go. This will show your child how you show up for people you care about.

Make sure you make time for socializing with friends as well. Your child looks to you first and foremost for how they should act and live their own life.

Encourage your child to step out of their comfort zone and do something they may be scared to do. As a parent, it’s your job to push them into something social for their own well-being at times.