Hey everyone! February is officially Black History Month, which makes it the perfect time to read, reflect, and learn.
Did you know this celebration actually started as just a week? Back in 1926, Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History came up with the idea. They picked a week that lined up with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in Black American history.
By 1976, that week expanded into Black History Month, and President Gerald Ford encouraged Americans to take the time to recognize Black achievements that had been ignored for too long. His words still ring true: this month is about shining a light on accomplishments that deserve more recognition and telling a fuller, more accurate story of American history.
But Black History Month isn’t just about the past but the present, too. It’s about understanding the lasting impact of Black culture, contributions, and struggles. It’s about setting the record straight, honoring those who paved the way, and continuing to address injustices that still exist today.
One of the best ways to learn? Books. Libraries and bookstores are filled with incredible works by Black authors, especially this month. If you’re local, King County Library System has a great list of children’s books to check out: King County Library System.
So let’s honor the past, engage with the present, and keep learning. What books, stories, or figures have inspired you? Let’s keep reading, keep learning, and remember to keep on shivering!
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