Black History Month
ABOUT
February is Black History Month!
Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs, and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history” (npr.org). Originally it was Negro History Week chosen by Carter G Woodson during the second week of February “to focus and broaden the nation's consciousness” (npr.org). The idea grew in acceptance and became what is now known as Black History Month in the 1960s.
Why February? The second week of the month coincides with Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays. Lincoln helped with the emancipation of slaves while Douglass was active in the abolitionist movements. Additionally, the 2024 theme is African American and the Arts.
Its original celebration date back to 1915, when Harvard graduate Historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). This association was tasked with researching and promoting the achievements of Black Americans and people of African descent. The group soon sponsored and designated a National Negro History week in 1926, where they would organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures. As the week celebration started to gain national traction and with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, many college campuses transition to celebrating Black History Month, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month. Since then, Every president has designated a theme with Black History Month in order to learn more about the value and accomplishments of Black Americans in our world.
UCSD Resources:
UC San Diego is proud to announce its annual UJIMA Network Black History Month Scholarship for undergraduate students and have demonstrated academic and creative achievements in the study of African Americans and their history and culture. Check the Scholarships for Continuing Undergrad Students for more information.
In accordance with the National Theme for Black History Month, “African Americans and the Arts”, the Sally T. WongAvery Library will be displaying materials from our circulating collection representative of the scholarship and activities from our extensive UC San Diego Family.
Check the Black Diaspora and African American Studies Event page to learn about professional, academic and social resources available to our students.
Feel free to also check out the Black Student Union on campus along with the Black Resource Center to learn more about the Black Community on Campus and meet new people and connect during your college years.
Other Resources: