Black History Month is a time to celebrate the triumphs, achievements, and perseverance of Black Americans. This month highlights the echoing effect Black people have created over the course of our nation’s history, and reflects the journey taken to leave a mark on the world, and the legacy that continues to be created.
The story of Black History Month began in September of 1915, when historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). This organization exists to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.
In 1926, the group sponsored a national Negro History week during the second week of February to celebrate the achievements of Black people through US history. As time passed, communities nationwide organized celebrations and awareness of the week grew as mayors from different cities began recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of Black people across the nation. The rising popularity then led to President Gerald Ford officially recognizing February as Black History Month in 1976.
With so much to celebrate, be grateful for, and reflect on, there is no one way to celebrate the mark on history left by Black Americans. DC public charter schools are commemorating the impact left behind by innovative and powerful Black Americans.
Check out how some schools are celebrating below:
- Capital Village PCS will celebrate with a Black History Month Paint Night & Open House! Students are participating in fun Black history themed painting activities while parents will learn more about the school and tour the building.
- E.L. Haynes will host their Black History Month Celebration! They’ve welcomed all students, families, staff, guests, and neighbors to a show filled with dancing, singing, food and fun. It’s encouraged to wear all black to show solidarity with the community and celebrate Black success in style!
- Friendship Woodridge celebrated with their Black History Month Spirit Week, which showcased their pride in several ways! The school observed themes during the week like showing school spirit by wearing HBCU attire, Pan-African colors, hip-hop streetwear, natural hair appreciation, and black-out day.
- DC International has adorned their reception desk with a display to honor influential Black women in the past and present. The school also celebrated Black excellence with a Culture Fest to bring their community closer together.
With so many variations of celebrating Black history month, the core purpose and reasoning always remains the same. We take this month to acknowledge the accomplishments of Black people across the nation, and use it as a reminder to keep innovating, learning, and achieving greatness.