It’s February and once again it’s Black History Month. In my community that means the entertainment pages of our local newspaper are filled with an abundance of programs related to African-Americans. This month is proclaimed each year as a month to celebrate and commemorate the contributions of African Americans to our nation. It’s a great month to celebrate history, and I am not surprised that the arts are at the top of the list of events and programs offered during this month.
I began to wonder about how Black History Month originated. I discovered that the occasion began in 1926. A historian suggested that the second week in February would be designated as the week to commemorate the accomplishments of African Americans. This week happened to be the birth dates of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Interests grew and in 1976 it expanded into National African-American History Month.
Many museums and libraries are offering special exhibits and programs relating to African American artists. There are opportunities to view the works of prominent local African-American artists. This is a great month to celebrate history and art.
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