- Cultural Calendar

February is Black History Month, when we honor and recognize the vital and impactful achievements of African Americans and their central role in U.S. history.
The idea for Black History Month was originally the brainchild of historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926, who (along with the members of the Association now known as the study of African American Life and History) created a Negro History week in February of that year to honor both the abolitionist Frederick Douglass, as well as U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. As the decades passed, the week continued to be celebrated in increasing numbers, and was amplified by the Civil Rights Movement to become Black History Month in 1976.
Nearly 50 years later, Black History Month is an important opportunity for us as an Antiracist and inclusive organization to share and promote the histories, stories, and voices of the Black community so that they are honored, amplified, and uplifted as they deserve to be. As we do so, it is important that we continue to commit ourselves to working collectively to promote both the past accomplishments of African American and Black people, while we also positively impact racial equity in education going forward.
With this in mind, please make sure to review, use, and share the Black History resources curated for you on WeArePSESD. And as educators, please keep in mind that while it is easy and all too common to focus on slavery, segregation and other forms of oppression during Black History Month, the celebration of the Black experience should include this historical trauma yet also go beyond it, to further encompass the areas of science, literature, art, music, business, politics, and more in which Black Americans have had such impact, in order to truly represent the scope of their accomplishments.
This February, let us celebrate those accomplishments while ensuring our focus on the ongoing integration of Black history and experiences throughout all curriculum. It has never been more important that we, as educators, continue to uplift every student and reinforce the vital place of Black history — not just this month, but every day of the year.