History:

In 1915, Carter G. Woodson, a historian keenly interested in education, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. It was through this organization that he began pressing for a "Negro History Week" as a mechanism for exploring the contributions of Black Americans. This dream became reality in 1926. Woodson chose the second week of February because two persons he felt had dramatically affected the lives of Black Americans were born during that month: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. It would be much later, in 1976, when the now-renamed Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History would succeed in promoting this week into Black History Month.

Proposal:

Proposal to Celebrate Black History Every Month
by Hon. Marvin L. 'Doc' Cheatham, Sr.
National Director of Social Action
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

In 1926 wanting to make sure that African American contributions to society were not ignored, Carter G. Woodson (left) proposed and established an annual observance - "NEGRO HISTORY WEEK."


While this observance has expanded and is now a month-long event there is still some insufficiency here. One month, and the shortest month at that, really does not bring true justice and sufficient truth to this subject matter. Additionally, neither proper recognition nor due honor has been bestowed Dr. Woodson. As the National Director of Social Action I am coming forth to everyone with a concept to expand the studying, recognition and celebration of Dr. Carter Goodwin Woodson's great idea while at the same time giving him his just due honor. We could, of course, render a number of arguments in favor of expanding to more than just one month, but we are certain many of you have already heard a significant number of these justifiable reasons. We more than likely have left out some general subject matters and we assuredly need your assistance. Our ultimate goal is to have every African American embrace the expansion of Black History month to the 19th of each month as follows:

During the Month of Celebrate
February Black History Month
March Science, Invention and Technology
April Literature and Humanities
May Malcolm X, Politics, Religion and Law
June Juneteenth Celebrations, Slavery and The Military
July Health
August Athletics and Entertainment
September Business, Education and Communication
October Music, The Arts and Theatre
November Culture, History and Genealogy
December Birth date Celebration of Dr. Woodson and Kwanzaa
January Kings, Queens and Global Affairs

Everyone reading and hearing about the expansion of Black History Month to the 19th of each month, inclusive of the entire month of February, is asked to do the following:
1. Immediately share this information with everyone that you can
2. Forward a copy of this information to at least one minority newspaper in your local community
3. Send a copy to at least one predominantly African-American organization; and
4. Call your local radio station and ask them to air this exciting and new expansion of Black History Month
5. Please send to 'Doc' Cheatham the urls of all Black
History Month web pages - SocialActProg@pbs1914.org

Hon. Marvin L. 'Doc' Cheatham, Sr.
National Director of Social Action
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
DSC #124 & Life Member
http://www.afamerica.com/sigma

Useful Links:

 

Bookmark and Share

Honoring the Father of Black History Month

Education First: Black History

History Channel

365 Black: Nuggets of Wisdom for Each Day of the Year

PBS - African American World

National Visionary Leadership Project

Heritage & Culture

Black History Month Resource Collection - Facing History

50 yrs. of Brown v. Board

Say it Plain: A Century of Great African American Speeches

Google Search - Black History Month

Quizzes on Famous African Americans: History, Women, Leaders, Artists & Athletes


 

Google - Celebrating Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D. (1)

Google - Celebrating Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D. (2)