Submitted by Westfield Washington Schools
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time to recognize the central role of Black people in U.S. history. It grew out of “Negro History Week,” which was the second week in February. The Harvard historian, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, was the impetus for the idea in the fall of 1915.
In 1975, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month and called upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.
The theme for 2022 is Black Health and Wellness, which explores “the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.”
Black History Month is a time to be intentional about honoring the contributions and legacy of African Americans, from industry leaders to political trailblazers, to our greatest scientific minds, to culture, and much more.
So, our schools will have daily activities to embrace the spirit of this month by honoring Black Americans who have contributed to moving our country forward to make it better for all Americans. Throughout the month of February, Westfield Washington Schools is calling upon teachers, students, and our community to celebrate and emphasize that Black history is American history.