What is Black History Month?
Kat Thomas dives into the history behind the celebration of Black History Month, and tells us about the opportunities to celebrate it on campus.
It started with one man’s vision. A man who felt that history was being ignored. That man was Carter G. Woodson, who is credited with starting the Black History Month tradition. Woodson was born in 1875 to former slaves and was the second black man to earn a Ph.D. after W.E.B Du Bois. Woodson found pride in his black heritage and history and wanted to spread his message in every way he could. Spreading awareness of black history unfortunately led to him being banned from the American Historical Association, but he did not let that stop him, continuing to pursue his mission to preserve black history. He founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915, and wrote the Journal of Negro History, which was later renamed to the Journal of African American History. In 1926, Woodson established Negro History Week, which occurred in the second week of February in order to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. Later, the week was extended and became Black History Month, where schools and universities study and celebrate the history and contributions of black Americans such as Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and many more. Black History Month is crucial not just for black Americans but also for all Americans. Every February, people have the opportunity to learn about the contributions that black Americans have made in politics, culture, society, and many other subjects.
One crucial thing to remember is this: Black history is American History. American history cannot exist without black history, which is why Black History Month is so important. It is important to honor African American contributors past and present, but there is still more to Black History Month. The main point that Woodson argued was that black history was being ignored even when teaching American history, which leads to inaccurate information being taught in schools and the next generation’s lack of education.
98 years later, we continue Woodson’s dream of celebrating black history by honoring black Americans who have made significant contributions to various aspects of life. This year, the University of the Pacific will focus on black Americans’ contributions in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) and beyond—highlighting African American contributions to astronomy, theater, community and wellness, and cinematics. Different fun events will be available, such as wine tasting, movies, and performances. These events are designed to highlight, celebrate, and educate people about black Americans and their contributions throughout history.
Various groups here at UOP will be participating in on-campus events over the course of the month. InterVarsity Black Campus Ministries, a campus organization that promotes community among Black students of UOP under Christ, will be participating in the Black History Month kick-off event. Additionally, Black Student Services (BSS) and the Black Student Union (BSU) are collaborating with the Center of Identity and Inclusion (CII) to host many other events.
The university will begin Black History Month by showing A Thousand and One starring Teyana Taylor, followed by the official Black History Month kickoff on February 2nd. BSS will be hosting a vision board party, a black Greek Social, a staff and student luncheon, and black student pulse events. The Janet Leigh Theatre will be showing the films Big George Foreman, Straight Outta Compton, If Beale Street Could Talk, Good Burger, and American Fiction. There will be dances, motivational talks and workshops, and sporting events. BSU will be hosting a “Y2K Dance” in collaboration with ASUOP A&E and the African Student Organization, a night to celebrate 2000s fashion and music that was largely created and popularized by Black Americans.
Off-campus, the San Joaquin County Pride center and other queer BIPOC organizations will be holding a march, a showcase of black queer artists, health and wellness events for black queer people, and a Drag Ball. To finish off this historic time of year, there will be a mixer in the alumni house and a dance in the DUC ballroom.
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