BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month is a dedicated time to recognize and celebrate the integral role and many achievements that African Americans have had in United States history.

Years following the abolition of slavery by the 13th amendment in 1865, Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded a group called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History whose mission was to promote the great milestones and achievements made by African Americans.

February was chosen as it is the month where both Abraham Lincoln, the President that approved the Joint Resolution of Congress submitting the proposal of the 13th amendment, and Frederick Douglas, a national leader of the abolitionist movement, were born.

What was previously Black History Week, evolved into Black History Month when President Gerald Ford urged the American public to, "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history" in 1976.

Every year since 1976, it has been made a tradition that the current President of the United States choose a theme for each Black History Month. This year, President Joseph Biden chose "Black Resistance" to prompt reflection on the countless ways African Americans have resisted oppression and racial terrorism.

As Frederick Douglas once said, "We have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the present and the future." Let us reflect on where we have been to have a clearer vision of where we as a country need to go.