Honoring Black History Month

Learn more about the history of Black History Month, and how the Campus Ministry Department is celebrating Black Catholic Saints.

By Director of Equity and Social Action Jenny Abbey

Throughout February, Black History Month is celebrated across the United States. Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), is considered the “Father of Black History.”

In 1926, the ASNLH announced the first “Negro History Week” on the second week of February. Why February? February encompasses the birthdays of both President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

In 1976, on the nation’s bicentennial, the weeklong “Negro History Week” was extended to a month and renamed Black History Month. In his dedication, President Gerald R. Ford encouraged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, each president has issued Black History Month proclamations.

The ASNLH—now named the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)—continues to celebrate and champion the study of Black history all year. The theme for Black History Month 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts.”

Why February? February encompasses the birthdays of both President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

As part of Black History Month, Campus Ministry has recognized Black Catholic Saints during morning announcements. A few of the saints recognized include:

• St. Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of human trafficking victims, whose feast day was February 8.
• Venerable Augustus Tolton may have been the first black American to be canonized. Tolton’s cause for canonization was opened in 2010, and he was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in 2019.

Below are some resources to help you celebrate the creativity, joy and contributions of Black Americans this month and every month.

• The Most Searched: A Celebration of Black History Makers
• Black History Month Resource Guide for Educators and Families
• Posters with Quotes from Famous African-Americans
• National Parks Service
  • Resources for 28 days on how to celebrate Black History Month with the National Parks.
• National Museum of African American Arts and Culture
  • This resource is perfect for the 2024 theme. 

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If you have any questions about Black History Month, please contact Director of Equity and Social Action Jenny Abbey.