Origins of Black History Month
The first Black History Month was celebrated in February 1970 at Kent State University. It was proposed by Black educators and students there in 1969. Over the next few years, Black History Month gained popularity nationwide as an opportunity to honor the achievements of Black Americans. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month during the U.S. Bicentennial. He encouraged honoring the often overlooked accomplishments of Black Americans throughout history. From there we have been able to see the evolution of celebrations, achievements and traditions that honor the stories and experiences of the Black community.
-- Dashawn Austin, Former Coordinator of Multicultural Initiatives, Syracuse University
To learn more about this year's theme, "African Americans and Labor," please visit the Association for the Study of African American Life and History website and read their executive summary.
Book Display
Please take some time and explore the amazing physical display in the Featured Collections section of Bird Library, 1st Floor, and browse even more titles in the digital display. Enjoy the wide array of titles and subjects to browse!
Syracuse University Related Events
In honor of Black History Month (BHM), Syracuse University’s Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Student Success, within the Student Experience Division, hosts a series of events in the month of February in collaboration with campus departments and student organizations. Black History Month honors the rich traditions of the African Diaspora through programming. The unique contributions and dynamic histories of people of African descent will enliven the Black cultural aesthetic via programming, dialogue and cuisine.
Please explore the various events that the Black History Month Planning Committee organized for this year.
No book, or the display as a whole, represents opinions or positions of the Syracuse University Libraries.