To commemorate significant people and events in African diaspora history, for 46 years, we have come together to celebrate African American history month every February. The month has been recognized by governments in the United States and Canada, and has recently been observed in Ireland and the United Kingdom. All beginning in 1976 — well let’s rewind about 50 years to 1926 to explore the roots of this celebration.
The inauguration of Black History Month was proposed by Carter G.Woodson and members of the Association for the Study of Black Life and History. After the Thirteenth Amendment was established in 1865, 'Black History Week' was created in 1926. The members of the Association chose the month of February to honor the U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, who issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and African American orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, both of whom were born in February. During the next 50 years, the week began to gain popularity, and schools and many leaders commenced celebrating with American cities initiating their own celebrations of Black achievements. According to history.com, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Today, Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society—from activists and civil rights pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks, to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and more. Now that we've covered the history and origins of Black History Month, let's take a look at what it looks like today. This year's theme explored ‘Black Health and Wellness’ by establishing a venue that celebrates African-American pioneers' contributions to Western medicine, confronting health inequities in our communities, and promoting healing through education. According to asalh.org, “This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals, and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.” |
What did Cardinal Mooney do to engage students during Black History Month?
Sierra Billhimer, Mooney counselor and math teacher, helped facilitate Black History Month with the assistance of students on campus. She discussed how recent school activities contributed to the month.
“The idea behind the activities has been to allow our students the opportunity to experience and celebrate Black History Month,” Billhimer said. “Having many different events such as trivia, a scavenger hunt, and decorating posters has allowed many different students to participate. Also, by having different events, it helped expose the students to many great African Americans in history.”
Near the end of February, Mooney hosted an assembly in honor of Black history. Here are some reactions:
“Family Feud was very funny and competitive! I loved Steve Harvey!” freshman Syriah-Ivy Briggs said.
“I thought the speaker did an amazing job and the dance was amazing,” art teacher Sean Butler said.
“The speaker was very interesting to listen to and Addie was just incredible,” freshman My’Kiah Jones said.
“When I was backstage I was very nervous, I felt if I didn’t do good I would let people down, but when I got on the stage and I heard all the happy cheers for me from people that I loved and some that I didn’t even know, I felt overwhelmed with love and passion. Some may not know, but the song was from the movie Harriet, so I wanted to enhance the feeling of being set free from people holding you back.” sophomore Addie Kelley said.
Sierra Billhimer, Mooney counselor and math teacher, helped facilitate Black History Month with the assistance of students on campus. She discussed how recent school activities contributed to the month.
“The idea behind the activities has been to allow our students the opportunity to experience and celebrate Black History Month,” Billhimer said. “Having many different events such as trivia, a scavenger hunt, and decorating posters has allowed many different students to participate. Also, by having different events, it helped expose the students to many great African Americans in history.”
Near the end of February, Mooney hosted an assembly in honor of Black history. Here are some reactions:
“Family Feud was very funny and competitive! I loved Steve Harvey!” freshman Syriah-Ivy Briggs said.
“I thought the speaker did an amazing job and the dance was amazing,” art teacher Sean Butler said.
“The speaker was very interesting to listen to and Addie was just incredible,” freshman My’Kiah Jones said.
“When I was backstage I was very nervous, I felt if I didn’t do good I would let people down, but when I got on the stage and I heard all the happy cheers for me from people that I loved and some that I didn’t even know, I felt overwhelmed with love and passion. Some may not know, but the song was from the movie Harriet, so I wanted to enhance the feeling of being set free from people holding you back.” sophomore Addie Kelley said.