“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history,"
- Carter G. Woodson, distinguished author and historian, also known as the “Father of Black History”
It is this type of sentiment of recognizing the past to advance the strengths in the present and growth of the future which contributes to the importance of Black History Month in America. There are so many contributions the Black community has provided to our community and country.
It is important we recognize the value, effort, and even the struggle, not just during this recognized month, but beyond February. At the City of Norman, we have taken bold steps to ensure our city lives up to its motto of, “building an inclusive community.”
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History chooses a theme each year to celebrate and honor Black History month through.
For 2021, the theme is “The Black Family: Representation, Identify, and Diversity.”
When we look at the depth of what the Black family over the years and centuries has endured, we are faced to look at things such as the African diaspora, oppression, and racism - institutional and overt. We have to come face to face with these truths in order to work towards prosperity, Black excellence, power, inclusion, and growth in the Black community.
In partnership with Norman-based community organizations, we’ve compiled the following opportunities for continued learning, constructive dialogue, celebrating, and honoring Black History.
February 9 – 6:30pm | Mayoral Proclamation – City Council Meeting at City Hall via YouTube
February 10 - Noon - 1 p.m. | WeAre Webinar – Exploring Black American Sign Language (ASL). Sign up here.
February 15 – 6 p.m. - 7p.m. | YouTube Panel Discussion – Careers at the City of Norman, Stories from Black Perspectives
February 23 - Noon – 1 p.m. | Culture & Conversations: Launching an initiative to explore the long-term impact of the pandemic and social unrest on the health of African Americans in the community. Sign up here.
February 23 – 6:00 p.m. | Public Lecture, The Truth About Tulsa and the 1921 Race Massacre: History and Legacies in Context. Sign up here.
February 25 - Signature Event: Noon – 1 p.m. | Historical Medical Trauma & Uncovering Cultural Mistrust. Sign up here.
All Month Long
- University of Oklahoma Book Drive: Books will be donated to local elementary schools. To participate, bring your books to Norman Campus collection box at Copeland Hall, Ste. 130.
- Norman Public Schools will host multiple activities and celebrations at different sites following their theme: Rooted in the Past, Growing in the Future: NPS Celebrates Black History Month! For more information visit: www.normanpublicschools.org
Resources for Continued Learning
- Oklahoma Historical Society
- Greenwood Rising
- African American History Month
- National Museum of African American History & Culture
- African American Heritage information from the National Park Service
- African American History collections at the Library of Congress
- Rediscovering Black History from the National Archive
Book Recommendations by the Pioneer Library System available at your local PLS library or digitally on Hoopla or OverDrive