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.”

Black History Month

As we approach the end of February and Black History Month, we recommend checking out the variety of resources and stories celebrating the University’s Black community, such as the Office for Equity and Diversity’s Black History Month event page, and the “Where it Starts” series below.

While setting aside time to recognize Black history each year is important, ASR’s collective vision of accountability also implores us to continue this work beyond a single month. After February, how can we continue learning about the contributions of Black changemakers in our nation, particularly figures that are not as well-known? Furthermore, how can we acknowledge and celebrate these contributions while recognizing the reality of racial disparities for Black communities in Minnesota and higher education? In a time of pushback on affirmative action and teaching about race in schools, we encourage you to further your own education on Black history and ways to engage in racial justice efforts this month and beyond.

Where it Starts series

In celebration of Black History Month, University Relations, in collaboration with a team of content advisors from the University’s Black community, is continuing their “Where it Starts” series. It’s a collection of personal stories that highlights some of the incredible accomplishments from the University’s Black community, featuring students and alumni. Each story reflects upon overcoming obstacles, building community, and finding purpose. For the month of February, we’re featuring two “Where it Starts” stories for each issue:

• So that children can grow into flowers
• Finding her place

Where it Starts series

In celebration of Black History Month, University Relations, in collaboration with a team of content advisors from the University’s Black community, is continuing their “Where it Starts” series. It’s a collection of personal stories that highlights some of the incredible accomplishments from the University’s Black community, featuring students and alumni. Each story reflects upon overcoming obstacles, building community, and finding purpose. For the month of February, we’re featuring two “Where it Starts” stories for each issue:

• Let’s sing
• The art of storytelling in medicine