Black History Month is an annual observance in the United States. It was first celebrated in 1926 to honor the accomplishments of African Americans and bring awareness to their history, culture, and current social issues.
It’s a time for all of us to learn more about the African-American experience and recognize the contributions that African Americans have made to our society. In many ways, it’s also an opportunity for all people to learn more about this group that has contributed so much to our society throughout history.
Facts about black history month
The First Celebrations
The first celebration of Black History Month took place in February 1926, under the sponsorship of Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The day included:
· Lectures at several historically black colleges
· Special events at Howard university’s hall of fame for great Americans
· Visits to museums and exhibits by school children
· Musical programs
· Parades by fraternal organizations
· Pageants at public auditoriums
· Receptions for distinguished guests
meetings with students’ parents where people could ask questions about history, literature, art, biological science, and music.
It celebrates great people in history
African Americans have made many contributions to our world – but we may not know about them! Here are a few examples:
1. Engineering – Dr. Percy Julian made great advancements in cortisone and birth control medicine. He was the first to synthesize hormones from soybeans.
2. Inventors – Black women were responsible for the invention of hair care products such as relaxers, protective styles & modern-day wigs/extensions! In 1893 Sarah Breedlove Walker became America’s first female self-made millionaire through her beauty company Madame C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Inc. The company catered to Black Women who wanted to take care of their hair at home, which is very important because black women have a different texture of hair than other races.
3. Medical Discoveries – Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed the first open-heart surgery, in 1893! More recently Dr. Lloyd Hall has made advancements in blood transfusion.
4. Athletes – Although many people don’t know that sports were integrated, Jackie Robinson is the perfect example of this. He ‘broke’ into Major League Baseball in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers and became the first African American to do so.
Stereotypes About Black History Month
People often assume that Black people just focus on slavery during this month of remembrance. This is a very small part of African American history because it only takes up 10 percent of all events throughout 400 years of black history!
Another stereotype about black people in America is that we all come from a single gene pool of Africa. This is just not true! Although most people from the U.S. have their ancestors from West or South Africa, there are others who come from East Africa as well, such as Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Conclusion
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of African-Americans and their contributions to society. If you want to make your own contribution to help move us toward a more inclusive society, you can utilize suculture. This platform is home to like-minded people from all around the world who are eager to share what they’ve learned about diversity with others. You don’t have to go it alone when looking for new perspectives and ideas!