Black History Month - Black Health and Wellness
Every February the United States honors the contributions and sacrifices Black and African American folkx have made that have ultimately shaped, influenced, and inspired the nation. Black History Month celebrates black culture, heritage, triumphs, and traumas that are a critical and integral part of our country’s history.
The Origins and Evolution of Black History Month
Carter G. Woodson and the Birth of Black History Week
Back into 1926, Black History Month was actually more like Black History week. Carter G. Woodson, the "father of Black history," was the first to set out and advocate for a time where Black and African culture can be taught and promoted to the masses. Woodson pictured a weeklong celebration to encourage the coordinated teaching of Black history in public schools. He designated the second week of February as Negro History Week and galvanized fellow historians through the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which he founded in 1915. This organization is known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) today. Woodson’s goal with Negro History Week was to broaden the country’s consciousness and knowledge of the Black experience, contributions , and culture. He asserted that Black history must become a serious and respected area of study.
How Black History Month Became a National Movement
As time passed, this idea became more widely accepted. Black History Week transformed into Black History Month in the 1960’s during the civil rights era. This change is attributed to the brave and noble people and organizations that rallied protests around racial injustice, inequality, and anti-imperialism. In time, colleges and universities held commemorations for Black History Month. This influenced President Gerald R. Ford’s decision to officially recognize Black History Month in 1976. Ford urged the American people to"seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Why Black History Deserves Daily Recognition
What’s important to note is that Black History is something that is to be acknowledged, appreciated, and honored every day of the year, not just during the month of February. Black History is not separate from our country’s collective history nor is it solely about celebrating the accomplishments of “the highlights” from Black history and culture. This month serves as a time to honor the lived, shared experience of all Black Americans and how these experiences, both famous and publicly unknown, influence America.
Black Health and Wellness in Focus
Each year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) designates a theme for the month. Picking a theme continues the trend that Woodson established for Negro History Week back in the ‘20’s. This year’s theme, Black Health and Wellness, is incredibly intentional and relevant as the COVID-19 crisis has disproportionately impacted black folkx. Historically and to this day, Black people have worse health outcomes both generally and with COVID-19. “For too long, African American communities have endured the burden of health disparities, as evidenced by the current pandemic,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “This year’s National Black History Month highlights the importance of black health and wellness and is a reminder that we can only be a more prepared and resilient nation when all communities are healthy and strong.” The month of February 2022 provides as an opportunity to reflect on the physical, mental, and emotional health of Black people, consider how many communities have remained resilient in the face of healthcare inequities, and how cultural and ancestral traditions have informed as well as convoluted our understanding of wellness.
Black History Month serves as a time to set intentions on how you’ll acknowledge and celebrate the Black experience not just during February, but DAILY. Use this month to do some research, start acknowledging practices, and change the way you move in the world in order to align and honor the experiences of Black Americans. Start seeking out and supporting Black-owned businesses. Learn about noteworthy and influential Black figures, and teach others what you learn. Donate to charities that support anti-racism equity and equality. Purchase, read, and share books, podcasts, etc. by Black authors. Support and learn about Black women and Black trans women. Listen to or read “The 1619 Project” by the New York Times (which is a is a long-form historical recounting of the role slavery played in the transformation of America). Attend virtual workshops, conferences, and trainings on Black History. The possibilities are endless and right at your fingertips. If you haven’t already, begin your celebration and take this practice with you for all your years to come.
