• Cultural Calendar
The Genesis and Importance of Black History Month

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.

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 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.

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The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 

Observed each March 21 after the tragic day in 1960 when the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire on participants in a peaceful demonstration against apartheid, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination remains an important one in the attempt to fight racism and racial discrimination worldwide.

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Observing Wounded Knee Day

Also known as Wounded Knee Day of Reflection, Wounded Knee Day honors the memory of the over 200 (some estimate as many as 300) Lakota Sioux men, women, and children who were massacred by the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment near Wounded Knee Creek on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. 

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