January has always felt like the longest month of the year for myself and most people I know. The holiday fun, vacations and school breaks come to an end. This January specifically had a tense and fearful tone for many of us in the Bay Area.
But now that we’ve made it to February and have entered Black History Month, my hope is that the community can enjoy celebrating Black achievements, history and trailblazers.
The origins of Black History Month began with Harvard graduate Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland. Together they founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which was dedicated to researching and highlighting achievements of African American figures. Today, the foundation is known as the Association of the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
The Association sponsored national Negro Week. With the Week’s growing popularity, many cities began participating in the celebrations. In the 1970s, the week-long celebration turned into Black History Month.
Some local events are scheduled to celebrate Black History Month in different ways. A great way to educate children about Black History is through reading. To this day I clearly remember my Kindergarten teacher reading a book about Martin Luther King Jr. and learning about what he did for so many people. Fremont Main Library is holding a special Black History Month Storytime on Feb. 6.
In Downtown San Leandro the Black History Month RnB Day Market Celebration will take place on Saturday, Feb. 15. The Market will have a number of small Black-owned businesses from stationaries and skincare to jewelry.
Another way to celebrate Black culture is to appreciate Black art. Studio 11 Gallery in Union City currently has their annual Black History Month exhibit. This year the exhibit is titled “Bridges of Hope: Building Community through Black History and Art,” highlighting connections and progress.
This year has already brought despair and fear into so many communities. With federal agencies pausing Black History celebrations over the weekend, along with Juneteenth, Pride Month and more, we rely on our friends, family and communities to help create a safe, welcoming and celebratory space for those who are being pushed out of safe spaces.
Events like storytimes, markets and art shows can seem like a small moment of entertainment, just a day-to-day activity. But moments celebrating and honoring Black History and culture is an important part of creating a united community. Connections like these may be just the thing many of us need at a time like this.
