February is Black History Month

Black History Month emerged from a week-long celebration named "Negro History Week" which began in 1925. This event was founded by historian Carter G. Woodson and other Black activists from the organization, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). This week inspired others to celebrate the often-neglected historical accomplishments made by Black individuals. The week-long celebration eventually expanded to a month-long celebration of the African Diaspora in the United Stated in 1975, when it was officially recognized as Black History Month by president Gerald R. Ford during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. Since then, every February has been officially recognized as Black History Month. Every year, a new theme is chosen for Black History Month by the ASALH. This year's theme is Black Resistance. 

The Judge Marquez Library has created a display to celebrate Black History Month and to encourage our community to learn about about the historical contributions by Black people and their resistance to the historic and ongoing oppression they still continue to face.