100 Years of Black History Month

Black History Month started in 1915 after historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History to research and celebrate the achievements of Black Americans. Black History Month was first officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976 when he called upon Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

This year’s Black History Month theme, A Century of Black History Commemorations, urges us to honor the resilience, creativity, history, and achievements of African Americans, and the importance of not only telling an inclusive history, but an accurate one.

Celebrate Black History Month in Minneapolis:

• Visit the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and the Somali Museum.
• Support Black-owned restaurants, from soul food favorites to cafes, and shop from local Black-owned boutiques and stores.
• Attend community events, such as The Black Market, All Sweet Things: A Celebration of Black Love, and Sounds of Blackness’: “Music for Marten.”

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Black History Month

This February, we encourage you to check out the various events and educational opportunities happening during Black History Month at the University of Minnesota and beyond.

• Black History Month Events at the U of M
• This resource offers a sampling of events taking place systemwide throughout Black History Month 2023. Some events are more specifically related to Black History Month, and others are events that center Black creators, student groups, and organizations.
• Where It Starts
• This series explores how change has begun through the creativity, vision, and joy of Black community members at the University of Minnesota, including individual video and article profiles that highlight their stories.
• Black History, Black Freedom, Black Love
• Throughout the month of February, the three-part MasterClass, “Black History, Black Freedom, and Black Love” is available to stream for free. From critical race theory to the 1619 Project, Black intellectuals are reshaping conversations on race in America. Now, seven of those preeminent voices share their insight on the reckoning with race in America in three parts: past, present, and future.

Do you know other Black History Month events or activities? Share them with the ASR DEI Community of Practice Group (ASR DEI CoP). Not a member? See below.

Join our ASR DEI Community of Practice

Subscribe to our DEI Google Group to discuss the latest news, connect with the committee, and keep up-to-date with DEI initiatives. More resources and information about the DEI committee can be found on the ASR Intranet.

Update from Sue

I was procrastinating, which I do well, and took 30 minutes to watch “This Free North: Black History at the University of Minnesota.” It was fantastic and so well done. Wow! I recommend that you take some time to watch this documentary as I have worked with many of these faculty over the years and have great respect for them. It was well done and put some of the 1960 Morrill Hall takeovers into perspective. It is important for you to take time to learn about something that you enjoy or want to be informed about.

The Provost is trying to get us answers for fall scheduling as she realizes students need as much accurate information as possible. It will be challenging to predict with the rollout of vaccines and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) comfort level, so we need to be flexible again throughout this summer. I can’t tell all of you how appreciative I am with your commitment to our students, faculty, and staff.