Current Events Blog Post: Black History Month

February is Black History Month in the U.S., an annual celebration of important people and events in African-American history. Many schools embrace the opportunity for in-depth learning and celebration, and many organizations plan lectures, festivals, and other informative events during the month.
 
History
Black History Month started in the 1920s as a history week, during which students in some of the nation’s public schools and church members were given literature and lessons focused on African-American history. By the 1970s the week was expanded, due in large part to the efforts of Kent State University’s Black United Students group leaders, and was officially recognized by the U.S. Government as Black History Month in 1976. The U.K. and Canada later adopted the celebration in 1987 and 1995 respectively.
 
There are many local events and activities you can do to learn more about black history and celebrate Black History Month. Here are a few:
 
International Civil Rights Center and Museum, Greensboro
Located in the former F.W. Woolworth store, in which four black college students sat at a “whites only” lunch counter and made history challenging segregation laws in 1960, the museum features installations and photography as well as videos and interactive galleries with daily guided tours.
 
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, Charlotte
Named for the city’s first African-American mayor, the four-story building is an epicenter for African-American culture, art, and education.
 
Film Screenings, Pittsboro and other locations
The North Carolina Humanities Council presents “Race in N.C: Justice and Reconciliation Film Forum,” with various events throughout the month. On Feb. 27, a film screening and Q&A, sponsored by the Chatham Country Arts Council, will be at the Fearrington Village Barn in Pittsboro.
 
Presentation: Understanding Black History as American History, Oxford
Part of the North Carolina Humanities Council’s Road Scholars program, Omar Ali, Ph.D., will present “Understanding Black History as American History” at the Richard H. Thorton Library in Oxford. The event is sponsored by the Granville County Library System.