Cuyamaca College
Library
Celebrates
Black History
Month
The Library display will honor African Americans and
their tremendous contributions to American history. We will showcase Black
History through time with posters displayed on both floors in the library as
well as books featuring famous African Americans and landmark historical
topics. Visit the library to learn more!
Black History Month, or
National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of
achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of
African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,”
the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African
Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month
of February as Black History Month.
The story of Black
History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment
abolished slavery in the United States. The event inspired schools and
communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs
and host performances and lectures.
In the decades that
followed, mayors of cities across the country began issuing yearly
proclamations recognizing “Negro History Week”. By the late 1960s, thanks in part
to the Civil Rights Movement and a growing awareness of black identity, Negro
History Week had evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses.
President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976,
calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often
neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor
throughout our history.” 