Happy Black History Month! I am always excited to acknowledge and commemorate the heritage, culture and accomplishments of past, present and future Black changemakers within SHRS and beyond. SHRS and the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement consistently strive to establish an environment where you can authentically be yourself and have the space and tools necessary to grow personally and professionally.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. History by acknowledging their many achievements and excellence. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and sponsored by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1926. ASALH chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures.
By the late 1960s, thanks in part to the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of Black identity, "Negro History Week" had evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
Today, Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society—from activists and civil rights pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and more.
Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression." Culture shapes lives. It’s in the food people eat, the languages they speak, the art they create and many other ways they express themselves. More than 400 years of Black history and heritage are reflected in traditions and the creative spirit of African American and other cultures of the African diaspora today.
Ways For the SHRS Community To Celebrate Black History Month
SHRS BIPOC Student Affinity Group Series
Featuring Dr. Chantele Mitchell-Miland, School of Medicine
Tuesday, February 20
12:30 p.m., Forbes Tower 4057
Register Today!
SHRS Black History Month Trivia Night
Thursday, February 29
4:30 p.m., Forbes Tower 4065
Join us virtually or in-person with the SHRS Office of Alumni Relations as we host our first annual Black History Month Trivia Night. We will be playing department vs. department to see who comes out on top! Light snacks will be provided.
Register Today!
University of Pittsburgh Black History Month Events
Visit the Pitt Office for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion for a listing of events happening at Pitt and locally throughout the month!
Support Black-Owned Businesses
Pittsburgh has various Black-owned businesses for you to check out this month, and every month! Your support of Black-owned businesses reinforces the importance of economic inclusivity and diversity in business.
I look forward to seeing you all at some of these opportunities!
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Written by:
Nancy Gauvin, EdD, CCC-SLP
Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement
Assistant Professor