Black History Month looks
to the past in remembrance
In 1915 — half a century after the 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States — historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland set out to document the struggles and achievements of black Americans and other peoples of African descent. In 1926, they hosted the first national Black History Week, spurring nationwide celebrations.
The founders chose the week of Feb. 12 as Black History Week — which eventually became Black History Month in the 1960s — to honor the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, who had been leaders in the fight to abolish slavery.
In 1976, Black History Month was officially recognized by President Gerald R. Ford, who stated that the celebration was important to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Black History Month honors the past and looks to the future each year to remember this fight for freedom. Check out Texas State’s Black History Month events:
- Last Chance for Eden: Conversations about Race, Sex and Privelege, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 1-3 p.m., LBJSC 3-13.1
- A Day in the Life of Poverty, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. (Contact MSA for location details: 512.245.2278.)
- Box 13 Collective: Right to Assemble, Art exhibition opening reception, Thursday, Feb. 9, 5 p.m., JCM Gallery II
- My Family Portrait, Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m., LBJSC 3-15.1
- Red’s Lounge, Friday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m., LBJSC George’s
- Texas State Desegration Black History Picnic, Saturday, Feb. 11, noon to 4 p.m., Calaboose Museum, San Marcos
- Black History Month Movie Night, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m., LBJSC Ballroom
- “Calling All Worshippers” Gospel Fest, Saturday, Feb. 25, 6 p.m., Centennial Hall Teaching Theater
For a deeper look into Black History Month, learn about the integration of Texas State. Read more about prominent figures and events celebrated by Black History Month below.