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Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. 

 

"Black History Month shouldn’t be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history, or somehow just boiled down to a compilation of greatest hits from the March on Washington, or from some of our sports heroes.  It’s about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so we can create a better future. It’s a reminder of where we as a country have been so that we know where we need to go." 

-President Barack Obama, “Remarks at a Black History Month Reception at the White House”.  Feb. 16, 2016 

 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH FOR KIDS: 

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/history/black-history-month/ 

  

Why is it celebrated in February? 

 In 1915, in response to the lack of information on the accomplishments of Black people available to the public, historian Carter G. Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In 1926, the group declared the second week of February as “Negro History Week” to recognize the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. This week was chosen because it includes the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist (someone who wanted to end the practice of enslaving people), and former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln. The week-long event officially became Black History Month in 1976 when U.S. president Gerald Ford extended the recognition to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”  

 

LINKS TO EXPLORE 

 

TEACHING RESOURCES: 

 

EVENTS:  

  

READ WITH YOUR KIDS: 

 

LOCAL:  

  • Black Heritage Walking Tour: www.marietta.com/attractions/marietta-tours/black-heritage-walking-tour 
  • Atlanta Black History and Civil Rights Tour: www.civilrightstour.com 
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park: www.nps.gov/malu 
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights: www.civilandhumanrights.org 
  • Apex Museum: www.apexmuseum.org 
  • Herndon Home Museum: www.theherndonfoundation.org 
  • Atlanta University Center Consortium: www.aucenter.edu 

 

SUPPORT BLACK OWNED RESTAURANTS: 

The following businesses are located in East Cobb and surrounding areas: