Black History Month: Key Dates, Origins, and Reasons to Celebrate

Black History Month is celebrated worldwide. This month highlights overlooked achievements and encourages us to better our communities. Here are three reasons to set aside time to participate in Black History Month:

1. Promotes Diversity- By celebrating Black History Month and diversity, we’re not just recognizing Black achievements, we’re retelling powerful stories in a way that highlights how they impacted our lives.
2. Brings Us Together- By celebrating Black leaders and advocates, we learn from and enjoy the success of others. We see how those differences can unite us and build stronger communities.
3. Introduces Historical Figures- Traditional education often leaves out Black leaders and visionaries. To learn beyond the standard curriculum, we can use this month to learn about other Black historical figures that have affected our lives.

By learning why we should celebrate Black History Month, we can plan learning events and story-sharing seminars with the goal of becoming citizens.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford declared February Black History Month. He encouraged everyone to honor the accomplishments and contributions of the Black community. Since then, February has been proclaimed as Black History Month by every president. Today, Black History Month is celebrated by countries across the globe.

‍

The Greensboro Four- February 1, 1960  

In 1954, the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education stopped school segregation. However, in many other places in the South, segregation continued. On February 1, 1960, The Greensboro Four set out to change that.  

These four African American men studied at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College. They sat down at Woolworth's lunch counter, where only white people were allowed. Crowds of angry white men harassed these four men, who sat peacefully and returned day after day.  

By March, this movement spread to 55 cities in 13 states. The result was that many diners were fully desegregated by the summer of 1960. When Woolworth’s finally followed suit, the four Black employees who had never gotten to eat at the restaurant where they worked, were now the first ones served.  

Rosa Parks- December 1, 1955

Rosa Parks was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on February 4, 1913. On December 1, 1955, she took action to capture national attention. This is an important event in Black history.

On that day, a white man boarded a bus in Montgomery. The bus driver instructed four Black people sitting in the first row to move to the back to make space for the white man. Three of them got up to move, but Rosa Parks did not.  

Police boarded the bus and took her into custody. This arrest led to the Supreme Court's decision to outlaw segregation on public transportation.

Bernard Harris- February 9, 1955  

In 1969, the Apollo 11 mission was televised, which inspired many people to become astronauts. One of those people was Bernard Harris, 13 years old, at the time.  

In 1990, Bernard was selected to be an astronaut, which meant his dreams were quickly coming true. He went to space in 1993, the first Black person to leave the earth's orbit. In February 1995, he became the first Black man to walk in space on his second mission.  

John Singleton- February 19, 1992  

From 1929, when the Academy Awards were presented, until 1992, the Oscars were dominated by white people. However, in 1992, John Singleton (director) was nominated as the first Black director for Boyz in the Hood.  

At that time, Black actors/actresses had been nominated and even won awards, but there were few opportunities for filmmakers/directors. This nomination changed things. Now, this February 19th, 1992 has become an important date in Black History Month for the film and creative industry.

Black History Month originated from Negro History Week in 1926, established by historian Carter G. Woodson. This week-long celebration was placed in the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of two crucial figures in American history: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Those dates were chosen to honor their work against slavery and for African American rights.

As the Civil Rights Movement grew in the 1960s, there was a need to expand the celebration. The achievements and contributions from the Black Community were too significant to be contained in one week. This led to Negro History Week expanding to become Black History Month. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially declared Black History Month. He urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too often overlooked achievements of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, every president has proclaimed February Black History Month.

‍

‍

Black History Month has been essential in highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of the Black community. Since 1976, every U.S. President has issued an annual proclamation endorsing the theme set by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson, the ASALH has played a pivotal role in advancing the study, preservation, and celebration of African American history and culture.

These proclamations shine a light on the impact African Americans have made throughout the history of our nation. By endorsing the themes set by ASALH, they inspire schools, organizations, and communities to come together and celebrate the achievements of the Black community. This nation recognition is essential as it not only honors their contributions, but also preserves their story by pushing back against the historical erasure of their accomplishments.

‍

Black History month is a tribute to the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. What began as Negro History Week has grown into a month-long celebration, providing a platform to recognize the journey, struggles, and achievements of Black Americans throughout history.

As we move forward, we remember the resilience and determination of those who came before us. Their legacy inspires us to continue the pursuit of equality and justice, ensuring future generations carry forward the torch of progress and hope.

At Advantis Medical, we celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. Advantis Medical is a progressive and open-minded culture. If you are intelligent, positive, and passionate about what you do, come as you are!

We love and welcome you to the travel nurse community with open arms! Let us help you find your dream travel nursing and allied health jobs.

‍