Every February since 1926, the United States’ honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country’s history.
Carter G. Woodson, known as the father of Black History, was a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people led to the establishment of Black History Month. Woodson fervently believed that Black people should be proud of their heritage and all Americans should understand the largely overlooked achievements of Black Americans.
This year’s theme is “Black Health and Wellness,” as it pays homage to medical scholars and healthcare providers. The theme is especially timely as the country enters the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected minority communities and placed burdens on African American healthcare professionals.
The pandemic has limited many Black History Celebrations this year however, there are a few in the area that will take place.
The Times Weekly will be highlighting contributions Black people, organizations have made locally and nationally to Black History throughout the month in the newspaper, and on all Times Weekly social media platforms.
Realizing education can make all the difference in the world, higher learning is the focus of this year’s Black History Month celebration in Bolingbrook.
The theme of 24th annual Bolingbrook Black History Month is “Education is Elevation.” on Saturday, Feb. 12, a college fair, guest speakers, and live performances will be offered from 1 to 5 p.m. in Roger and Pat Claar Family Auditorium at Bolingbrook High School. Jesse White and the Tumblers will be in attendance as they are among the main event guests. Masks are required. A college and Greek fair will be from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by the tumblers at 2 p.m.
The free event is offered by the Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Club, a not-for-profit organization that seeks to promote diversity through education.
Additionally, the Plainfield Public Library is encouraging children to read several books that celebrate Black History Month and learn about the men, women and children who contributed to all of humanity and fought for equal rights for African Americans, a spokesperson from the library said.
Featured books include “I Am Martin Luther King” by Brad Meltzer; “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom” by Carole Boston Weatherford; and “Let the Children March” by Monica Clark-Robinson. DVDs available include “Before She Was Harriet” and “Barack Obama” The Story of Our 44th President.”
There is a Black History Joliet Celebration scheduled at the Joliet Area Historical Museum starting Thurs Feb.17, from 5 – 8 pm with After the Peanut JAZZ & STEAM fundraiser. Check listing for other events scheduled Fri. Feb 18, 5 – 6:30 pm, Sat. Feb. 19, from 12 to 4pm and Sun. Feb. 20, 3- 6 pm at the museum.
“There is no American history without African-American history,” said Sara Clarke Kaplan, executive director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University in Washington, D.C. The Black experience, she said, is embedded in “everything we think of as American history.”