Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian, is considered the Father of Black History Month. Woodson, the son of former slaves, entered high school at 19 and completed his coursework in 2 years. He then attended the University of Chicago, earning a Master’s degree in History. Later, he earned his doctorate from Harvard. Throughout his studies Woodson realized how little was written, about black Americans and their contributions to the history of the United States. He took on the challenge of writing black Americans into this history. Woodson’s first course of action was to form the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).  He also created the group’s respected publication, The Journal of Negro History.

Negro History Week was conceived in 1925 and first celebrated in February 1926. Woodson chose February because Frederick Douglass, a notable former slave, abolitionist and civil rights leader, celebrated his birthday on February 14. Plus, President Abraham Lincoln, signer of the Emancipation Proclamation, which abolished slavery in the Confederate states, was born on February 12. Woodson ascribed, “that the achievements of the Negro properly set forth will crown his as a factor in early human progress and a maker of modern civilization.” 

(https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/01/us/history-of-black-history-month-trnd/index.html)

Woodson believed that truth could not be denied and that reason would prevail over prejudice. The response to Negro History week was overwhelming: Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils; and progressive whites, not simply white scholars and philanthropists, stepped forward to endorse the effort. (https://africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/about/) In 1976, Negro History Week became Black History Month.

There are many wonderful resources you can use through LMLS libraries to learn about African Americans contributions to America’s history. Some well known Americans include: our 44th president Barack Obama, Frederick Douglas, Jackie Robinson, Sojourner Truth, and many, many more. Some lesser known stars include: Omar Ibn Said, a West African slave in America. Or Katherine Johnson, the human computer, who worked for NASA, and helped put a man on the moon. While we might first think of the history of the United States, it’s interesting to remember that Canada also celebrates it in February. The United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands celebrate it in October. The Association For The Study Of African American Life And History announced 2019’s theme as “Black Migrations.” “Black History Month Facts.” International Business Times [U.S. ed.], 1 Feb. 2019. General OneFilehttps://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A572026835/ITOF?u=pl3119&sid=ITOF&xid=4b9239e3. Accessed 4 Feb. 2019.

POWERlibrary for KIDS

 

Don’t forget that your LMLS library card gives you access to the POWER Library databases for FREE. Visit LMLS online resources to see our extensive list of research tools.

POWERlibrary for Teens

You can search scholarly articles for fun or school or work. For example, here’s a fun quiz found using Montgomery County Libraries’ portal to the Power Library: “Black history month quiz.” Highlights for Children, Feb. 2017, p. 2+. General OneFilehttps://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A478697455/ITOF?u=pl3119&sid=ITOF&xid=1da515b9. Accessed 4 Feb. 2019.

 

 

 

Also, search our online catalog for items to help you celebrate Black History Month. Here are some newer and older titles to start with:

Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker

Young Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson

What Color is My World? By Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Proud: Living My American Dream by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

The Roots of Rap by Carole Boston Weatherford

No Small Potatoes by Tonya Bolden

A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks by Alice Faye Duncan

Bad news for outlaws : the remarkable life of Bass Reeves, deputy U S marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

 

 

by Alicemarie Collins, Gladwyne Library Librarian

Black History Month @ LMLS

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Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian, is considered the Father of Black History Month. Woodson, the son of former slaves, entered high school at 19 and completed his coursework in 2 years. He then attended the University of Chicago, earning a Master’s degree in History. Later, he earned his doctorate from Harvard. Throughout his studies Woodson realized how little was written, about black Americans and their contributions to the history of the United States. He took on the challenge of writing black Americans into this history. Woodson’s first course of action was to form the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).  He also created the group’s respected publication, The Journal of Negro History.

Negro History Week was conceived in 1925 and first celebrated in February 1926. Woodson chose February because Frederick Douglass, a notable former slave, abolitionist and civil rights leader, celebrated his birthday on February 14. Plus, President Abraham Lincoln, signer of the Emancipation Proclamation, which abolished slavery in the Confederate states, was born on February 12. Woodson ascribed, “that the achievements of the Negro properly set forth will crown his as a factor in early human progress and a maker of modern civilization.” 

(https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/01/us/history-of-black-history-month-trnd/index.html)

Woodson believed that truth could not be denied and that reason would prevail over prejudice. The response to Negro History week was overwhelming: Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils; and progressive whites, not simply white scholars and philanthropists, stepped forward to endorse the effort. (https://africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/about/) In 1976, Negro History Week became Black History Month.

There are many wonderful resources you can use through LMLS libraries to learn about African Americans contributions to America’s history. Some well known Americans include: our 44th president Barack Obama, Frederick Douglas, Jackie Robinson, Sojourner Truth, and many, many more. Some lesser known stars include: Omar Ibn Said, a West African slave in America. Or Katherine Johnson, the human computer, who worked for NASA, and helped put a man on the moon. While we might first think of the history of the United States, it’s interesting to remember that Canada also celebrates it in February. The United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands celebrate it in October. The Association For The Study Of African American Life And History announced 2019’s theme as “Black Migrations.” “Black History Month Facts.” International Business Times [U.S. ed.], 1 Feb. 2019. General OneFilehttps://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A572026835/ITOF?u=pl3119&sid=ITOF&xid=4b9239e3. Accessed 4 Feb. 2019.

POWERlibrary for KIDS

 

Don’t forget that your LMLS library card gives you access to the POWER Library databases for FREE. Visit LMLS online resources to see our extensive list of research tools.

POWERlibrary for Teens

You can search scholarly articles for fun or school or work. For example, here’s a fun quiz found using Montgomery County Libraries’ portal to the Power Library: “Black history month quiz.” Highlights for Children, Feb. 2017, p. 2+. General OneFilehttps://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A478697455/ITOF?u=pl3119&sid=ITOF&xid=1da515b9. Accessed 4 Feb. 2019.

 

 

 

Also, search our online catalog for items to help you celebrate Black History Month. Here are some newer and older titles to start with:

Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker

Young Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson

What Color is My World? By Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Proud: Living My American Dream by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

The Roots of Rap by Carole Boston Weatherford

No Small Potatoes by Tonya Bolden

A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks by Alice Faye Duncan

Bad news for outlaws : the remarkable life of Bass Reeves, deputy U S marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

 

 

by Alicemarie Collins, Gladwyne Library Librarian

Black History Month @ LMLS