February is Black History Month where we take time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans and honor the significant role and impact they have made on all facets of life and society throughout U.S. history.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who received a Ph.D. from Harvard University and is considered a pioneer in the study of African American History, is credited with launching Black History Month. He believed that truth could not be denied and reason would prevail over prejudice. He chose February because Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, whom he felt had greatly influenced the lives of African Americans, had birthdays in February.
The rise of African American consciousness in the 1960s and the Civil Rights Movement led to the expansion of Black History Month, also known as African American Heritage Month, in 1976. Black History Month is preferred by most as this celebration is annually observed in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States in remembrance of important people and events across the African Diaspora.
In alignment with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at UA Little Rock, during Black History Month our intention is to consciously create a campus culture that embraces our differences. This month, let’s work to affirm minority and indigenous people’s experiences to enhance a sense of belonging for our UA Little Rock students, faculty, staff and visitors.
UA Little Rock recognizes the importance of taking a globalized approach to our celebration of Black intellectual and cultural life. At the same time, we acknowledge that the need for awareness and education about Black experiences doesn’t begin and end in February.
Let these 29 days serve as more than just a moment – let them be an opportunity to gain a better understanding of one another and our cultural experiences. You may learn that many of us have more in common than you think!
“History has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” – Michelle Obama
Alicia Dorn, Chief of Staff, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
The formal celebration of Black History Month began in 1986 when Congress passed legislation designating February as National Black History Month. — Library of Congress