Celebrating Black History Month

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian, scholar, educator, and publisher created “Negro History Week” in order to celebrate and recognize the achievements of black Americans. 50 years later, in 1976, President Gerald Ford and the federal government recognized February as Black History Month. During this month, black heroes and heroines are honored, celebrated and learned about. Black History Month also encourages pride in being black. Public charter schools around the District celebrated Black History Month by going to museums, hosting school blackouts, putting on stage productions, holding expos, and wearing Black history Month colors (red, green, and yellow), Dashiki’s, or African Print. 

To Kick off Black History Month, Somerset PCS had a school blackout. All students and staff were encouraged to wear all black. Somerset students were allowed to ditch their school uniforms on February 1 in order to celebrate. 

On February 8, Washington Leadership Academy PCS paid a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The NMAAHC is the only national museum solely dedicated to presenting African American life, history, and culture. City Arts and Prep PCS traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to go to the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum. This museum, much like the NMAAHC, is also dedicated to African American History. Being the only one of its kind, the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum represents life-like wax figures that highlight African ancestry. 

If you haven’t celebrated Black History Month yet, you still have time! We want to extend a special thanks to City Arts and Prep PCS, Somerset PCS, and Washington Leadership Academy PCS, for sharing your celebrations with us.