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February is Black History Month
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month, which is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in U.S. history. Black History Month grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent Black people.
Black History Month 2024 Theme, "African Americans and the Arts"
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) determines the theme each year for Black History Month. They explain, "African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans."
Teaching Black History
In schools and classrooms, Black History Month is an excellent time to explore the Black experience—including the history, culture and achievements of Black people, the injustice faced by them and how that injustice has been and continues to be confronted and overcome. As with other similarly themed months, it is important not to isolate Black history and culture into one month during the year. Black history is U.S. history and should be integrated into the curriculum throughout the school year.