WS Chronicle

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson began Negro History Week. The second week in February was chosen as Negro History Week because it contained both Fredrick Douglass’ and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays (the 14 and 12, respectively). The celebrations of African-American history grew to be month-long events when Gerald Ford decreed Black History Month a national observance in 1976. Since then, the festivities get going every Feb. 1. But why does the party have to start on Feb. 1 and end on Feb. 28?

Societal constructs have cued our minds to set aside February as the time we pull out our African garments and other historical relics to pay homage to OUR history, as if black history only happens during the second month of the year. Black history surrounds us. We don’t have to look any farther than the classroom or the city government or the art community right here in Winston-Salem to get healthy doses of black history. Our 2019 February issues will spotlight local heroes who have made history. Of course, there are too many to fit into one month. So stay tuned. The Chronicle sets out to celebrate and commemorate black history every week of every month in our community. 

While we commit to going to black history events (see page B5 for the Black History Calendar), we should consider organizing and attending events that happen outside the month of February. There is enough black historical content to fill up 365 days every year. Our history should be celebrated every day, because it happens every day. The amazing thing is that, somewhere, black history is being made today.