BLACK HISTORY MONTH: I AM NOT ASHAMED

The history of Black people has long been a discussion of contempt. There are many Blacks who feel ashamed when the subject of our history comes to the forefront. I believe there was a time in my life, when I felt a tinge of embarrassment. However, today I sing a much different song. I feel a sense of pride to be the blood of a people who have survived despite the odds and obstacles set before them. I’m not going to hang my head because of slavery, or Step-n-Fitch, or Mammy. They all had to do what they had to do in order to survive. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the totality of my history.

Each day we will give interesting facts of Black History from the beginning to the present day. Today will started with the history of Black History Month.

FEBRUARY 1, 2010

Black History Month originated in 1926 by Carter Godwin Woodson, a teacher, historian, author, journalist and the founder of the Association for the Study of Black Life and History. He single-handedly pioneered the celebration of “Negro History Week”, for the second week in February, to coincide with marking the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The week was extended to the full month of February in 1976 and renamed Black History Month.