HR/Advisory

DEI/Current Connections

Week of 2/1/21

February is Black History/Black Futures Month!

Started by Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950), Black History Month originated as a week in 1926 and expanded to become a month-long celebration in 1976. Carter G. Woodson chose February because it includes the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. Woodson, commonly known as the “Father of Black History,” spent much of his life in schools, and he saw that the histories and accomplishments of Black people were not often taught. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History in 1915 to change that. He committed his life to bringing Black history front and center, ensuring it was taught in schools, studied by scholars, and understood as central to the history of America. Growing out of that work, Black History Month continues to be one important opportunity to highlight the contributions Black people have made — and continue to make — to this country.

Black Lives Matter Week Feb 1-5

BLM at School Week Background:

We know that Black lives don’t just matter during one week. BUT, the “Black Lives Matter at School Week” movement first started in Seattle during the fall of 2016 when thousands of educators in Seattle came to school wearing shirts that said, “Black Lives Matter: We Stand Together.” This action, along with a dedicated BLM curriculum implemented throughout school, attracted national news and BLM Week in Schools is a national movement. The goal of BLM week is awareness, discussion and action and is part of a Year of Purpose for Black Lives