Recognizing Black History Month
Across the country, February marks Black History Month. It is a time when we can honor the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the U.S., as well as the rich cultural heritage and triumphs that are a part of American history.
Background:
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, an American historian and scholar who was also known as the “father of Black History,” established Negro History Week, where schools and educators promoted and educated others about Black history and culture for the first time ever. By the late 1960s, Negro History Week evolved into what is now known as Black History Month.
February was selected as the dedicated month because it is when Black communities have historically celebrated their past. February is also the birthday month of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, both of whom were influential in the abolitionist movement, fighting against slavery and for the emancipation of slaves.
In keeping with the practice Woodson established for Negro History Week, a theme is selected every year by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), which Woodson and others formed in 1915. This year’s theme is African Americans and the Arts. In announcing this year’s theme, ASALH wrote:
African-American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary, and other forms of cultural expression, the African-American influence has been paramount.
Events: Anyone can participate and celebrate!
Around NYC:
- Brooklyn Museum’s First Saturdays – celebrating the legacy of Black artistic production in Brooklyn
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Location: Brooklyn Museum – 200 Eastern Parkway
RSVP (FREE): First Saturday: Legacy — Brooklyn Museum
- Black History Month Concert at Brooklyn Public Library – The Harlem Chamber Players celebrating the work of black conductors
Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024
Time: 4pm-5:30pm
Location: 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn NY 11238
RSVP (FREE): Black History Month Concert at Brooklyn Public Library — The Harlem Chamber Players
- Historic Black Women of Harlem – Join the NYC Parks Department’s park rangers and learn about some of the revolutionary Black women who have contributed to the Harlem community.
Date: Sunday, February 25, 2024
Time: 1pm – 2:30pm
Location: St. Nicolas Park (135th Street and St. Nicolas Avenue)
RSVP (FREE): Black History Month: Historic Black Women of Harlem – Feb 25, 2024 : NYC Parks (nycgovparks.org)
At NYCHA:
- NYCHA’s NAACP Chapter Black History Event
Date: Wednesday, February 28
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: 1200 Waters Place, Bronx NY
Here are short clips related to this year’s celebration of Black History Month:
Black Brilliance – A Spoken Word Short Film
Inspirational Quotes from Notable Black Figures
Arts and Letters of the Harlem Renaissance: Crash Course Black American History #26 – YouTube
The Most Searched: A Celebration of Black History Makers – YouTube
10 African- American Artists you should know [Black History Month] Art Lesson – YouTube
Comments or concerns?
NYCHA’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is available to discuss any issues or concerns if any employee feels that they are being targeted or treated based on their race, color, national origin, or any other EEO-protected categories.
Please contact our office at 212-306-4468 or odei@nycha.nyc.gov to speak to one of our staff members for assistance.
