Celebrate Black History Month

Black History Month is observed during the month of February. President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as “Black History Month”. It is observed in our nation’s schools where students study prominent African-American leaders and the history of the Civil Rights’ Movement. Black History month is observed in February in the USA and in Canada. It is observed in October in the United Kingdom. The theme for Black History in 2014 is “Civil Rights in America.”

Here are some things you can do to observe Black History in America:

1. Read a biography of an African American that you may not be familiar with like: Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, or Frederick Douglass

2. Study about the Underground Railroad and learn about the paths slaves followed to reach freedom.

3. Listen to the “I Have a Dream” speech by Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.

4. Pick a subject you are interested in and research the contributions made by an African-American; possible subjects may include: art, music, science, business, or education

5. Design your own postage stamp that celebrates Black History.

Black History Month is a time when the contributions and achievement of black people are celebrated and studied in schools and libraries across the nation. These are only a few ways to learn about famous African American. Visit your local library for so much more!