Commemorating African-American history, heritage, culture, accomplishments and contributions
February 2010
"In a groundbreaking reform--believed to be the first in the nation--Mississippi will require civil rights as part of its US history curriculum....In many places, it will end a decades-old culture of silence. People here don't like to remember the nights of church bombings and explosions; the sound of rifles being loaded in the dark as citizens patrolled sidewalks and sanctuaries, trying to stem the violence. They don't like to remember the fear and distrust--between blacks and whites, but also among themselves." ("Mississippi Mandates Civil Rights Classes in Schools," Christian Science Monitor, Oct 4, 2009)
National History Day: Diplomacy and Dialogue in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences
Sep:
Constitution Day
Oct:
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Nov:
National American Indian Heritage Month
Dec:
Winter Observances & Celebrations
African-American author and teacher Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, who is considered to be the "Father of Black History," established the first Negro History Week in 1926. Fifty years later, on the nation's bicentennial, this celebration of African-American heritage was extended to the entire month of February. A commemoration of the historical, cultural and contemporary roles of African Americans in the United States, Black History Month aspires to educate the nation on topics significant to the African-American experience, including slavery, segregation, and the civil-rights movements. Tribute is paid to leaders, politicians, martyrs, soldiers, artists, authors, and heroes whose remarkable achievements in their respective fields represent the tragedies, triumphs and continuing struggles of the African-American community. In honor of Black History Month, February's Spotlight of the Month profiles renowned African Americans of both past and present and reflects on African-American history and culture. Articles and Web sites include:
Philosopher Alain L. Locke, born in Philadelphia in 1885, boasted many intellectual accomplishments: he attended Harvard University as an undergraduate student, was the first African-American student to be a Rhodes Scholar, and was a Howard University Professor of Philosophy until his death in 1954.
Locke's many writings celebrated "cultural pluralism," which has evolved into what contemporary concept?
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