Black History Month is well known as an important time of year in which Americans celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. Situating itself between February 1st and March 1st, the month-long event brings awareness to the important historical figures who are part of the African American community. Yet, it’s surprisingly common to see people who are unfamiliar with how Black History Month started and what it truly is. Here is an explanation of how this celebration came to be, and what it means to Old Saybrook High School.
In 1915, Carter G. Woodson formed the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). With the goal of underscoring African American accomplishments and historical feats, the organization challenged racist prejudices through their actions, empowering minorities. Eleven years later after its foundation, ASALH sponsored the first “National Negro History Week,” which was chosen to be the second week of February, aligning with Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglas’ birthdays. As awareness of the event grew, the necessity of transforming this week-long commemoration into a longer, more dedicated time frame became clearer. So, by the late 1960’s, and through the Civil Rights Movement and widespread incorporation of the celebration, “National Negro History Week” turned into the African American History Month, where remarkable people and their historical actions are commemorated. Now, businesses, communities, and schools, such as our own, proudly embrace the event each year.
As February comes around, the OSHS Library likes to acknowledge the important things that come with it, such as African American History Month. The library dedicates part of a section to this celebration to encourage students to learn about the topic and history of it. The section has books about famous African American leaders and African American authors. OSHS also has a shelf on one of its hallways, which showcases important history moments and famous African Americans and leaders.
Mrs. Casolino explains the importance of the bulletins, saying, “They provide students with important information and help them to be aware. [When choosing what to display] we look into previous scientists, teachers, and especially authors, and then we put together an informative blurb about each one. This month we pulled books about the civil rights movement, for example, or books by black authors.” In March, students can look forward to their display for women’s history month!
