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Black History Month, which began in the early 17th century, is celebrated to honor the achievements and the lives of African-Americans in the United States.
Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, falls annually on the month of February, wherein the US, Canada, and other countries honor this event.
The first restatement of the Black History Month was Carter G. Woodson’s Negro History Week in February 1926. Woodson, also called the “Father of Black History,” helped form the establishment of African American studies and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. The association aims to encourage people from all ethnic and social backgrounds to discuss the Black experience.
This year, Black History Month’s theme is “Black Health and Wellness.” It explores the legacy of Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western Medicine. Lauderhill Mall is one with celebrating Black History Month this 2022. We believe that African Americans play a vital role in shaping US history and will continue to do so. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, or social differences, everyone is welcome at Lauderhill Mall.
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month began half a century after the 13th Amendment was abolished. However, there was still a lack of information about the achievements of Black people to the public. Historian Woodson then founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In 1926, the association declared the second week of February as “Negro History Week” in honor of the contributions of the African Americans in the US.
The 13th Amendment of the US Constitution, ratified in 1865 after the Civil War, ended slavery in the United States. The 13th Amendment states that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for the crime of which the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
Why is African American History Month celebrated in February?
The second week of February was chosen because the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and former US president Abraham Lincoln fall on this time frame. Douglass was known to be an abolitionist or someone who wanted to end slavery. At the same time, President Lincoln led the US during the Civil War and fought the enslavement of Black People.
Black History Month became an official event in 1976 when US president Gerald Ford prolonged the recognition to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout history.”
Since then, it has been celebrated every February.
Who created African American History Month?
Carter G. Woodson was the brilliant mind behind Black History Month. He was also known as the “Father of Black History.”
Woodson was born in Virginia in 1875 and was a son of an enslaved person. Growing up, he first-hand experienced the limited opportunities in education and career as a person of color. He studied at a high school for Black students while working as a coal miner.
Woodson earned his Ph.D. in History from Harvard University, kickstarting his journey to build a better life for Black people. In 1926, he sent his first press release to embark on the first Black History Week in the US. The event expanded in 1970 and ever since 1976, Black History has been celebrated every February in the US.
The Importance of Celebrating Black History
Black History Month is important as it highlights the value and contributions of African Americans, which were often ignored or overlooked. Prior to that, educational institutions focus on teaching history, only emphasizing the achievements of White people.
It is an equal opportunity to discuss, share, and understand the Black culture and experience. In fact, the Department of Education says that Black history is an important topic and that schools have the freedom to teach these histories in their curriculums.
Since the Negro History Week, other countries have joined in honoring the event like Canada, the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.
In the UK, government funding is available to help Black History Months such as The Windrush Foundation and 100 Great Black Britons. In Canada, African Canadian parliament member Jean Augustine pushed for Black History Month in 1995 to raise awareness of Black Canadians’ hard work.
Honor the African American History at Lauderhill Mall
Lauderhill Mall stands with honoring Black History Month! This month-long event is a tribute to the Black people who have struggled, survived, and kept fighting.
Celebrate with us by dining in or shopping with your friends and family at over 100 plus stores.
About Lauderhill Mall
Lauderhill Mall is located in central Broward County that offers well-known brands and unique products and services not found in most shopping malls. We provide free monthly events for all ages to make shopping fun and enjoyable! We're open seven days a week, visit us!
Mall hours: Monday to Saturday - 10 AM to 8 PM Sunday - 11 AM to 6 PM
Address: 1267 NW 40th AVE, Lauderhill, FL 33313
