February is National African American History month, which celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our Nation’s history.
But did you know that this commemoration has roots dating back to 1926?
Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week in 1926 and he chose the second week of February between the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two key figures in the history of African Americans.
Known for writing the contributions of black Americans into the national spotlight, Dr. Woodson received a Ph.D at Harvard University and founded the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History in 1915, then founded the Journal of Negro History in 1916.
In 1975, President Ford issued a message on the observance of Black History week urging all Americans to “recognize the important contribution made to our nation’s life and culture by black citizens.” In 1976 this commemoration of black history in the United States was expanded by ASALH to Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, and President Ford issued the first message on the observance of Black History Month that year. In subsequent years, Presidents Carter and Reagan continued to issue Messages honoring African American History Month. Since 1996, Presidents have issued annual proclamations for National African American History Month.
On a local level, many organizations celebrate this National observance with events and opportunities to learn about African American culture and history. The first upcoming event is this week and others will be featured in future blog posts.
Film Screening Celebrating African People’s History Month: Friday, February 3, 5:30 p.m. Peter’s Education Center Auditorium (West of Save-Mart Center in the Student Recreation Center Building)
February 3: Freedom Riders (2011: Discussant: Cynthia George
In 1961, segregation seemed to have an overwhelming grip on American society. Many states violently enforced the policy, while the federal government, under the Kennedy administration, remained indifferent, preoccupied with matters abroad. That is, until an integrated band of college students-many of whom were the first in their families to attend a university-decided, en mass, to risk everything and buy a ticket on a Greyhound bus bound for the Deep South. They called themselves the Freedom Riders, and they managed to bring the president and the entire American public face to face with the challenge of correcting civil-rights inequities that plagued the nation. 120 minutes. Co-sponsored by African People’s History Month Committee
Freedom Riders Event
For more information: CineCulture Club: http://cineculture.csufresno.edu/
MCJ Department: http://mcj.csufresno.edu/news-events/cineculture/
Fresno Filmworks: http://www.fresnofilmworks.org/
All films screened on campus are free and open to the public. Parking is relaxed after 4 p.m. Fridays. CineCulture is a film series provided as a service to Fresno State campus students, faculty, and staff, and community, at no charge. CineCulture is also offered as a 3 unit academic course (MCJ 179) in the Mass Communication and Journalism Department. CineCulture fulfills General Education Integration Area Multicutlural International (MI).
CineCulture Club promotes cultural awareness through film and post-screening discussions.
For further information about CineCulture contact:
Dr. Mary Husain (Instructor & Club Adviser) at mhusain@csufresno.edu
Liliana Madrid (Club President) golfeado@mail.fresnostate.edu
For more information about National African American History Month, visit http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/
