Honoring Black History Month
A message from: Lorenley Báez, Associate Provost for Equity & Belonging
Office of Equity & Belonging
Dear Students,
Every February, we celebrate and honor Black History Month. The origins of Black History Month date back 50 years after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. Historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson believed African-American contributions were ignored and suppressed in both textbooks and classrooms.
In 1926, Dr. Woodson announced Negro History Week during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of two abolitionists he respected—Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The 1960s greatly impacted Dr. Woodson’s vision in part because of the civil rights movement and the increase of Black identity and pride, which helped expand the week-long celebration to a full month. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, but it was President Ronald Regan in 1986 who issued Proclamation 5443, declaring it National Black History Month.
As we embark upon this month-long celebration, I invite you to be curious, reflective, and introspective about the history, contributions, and legacy of African-Americans. Additionally, I recommend we give consideration to the role of white supremacy and the context it plays in history, which continues to globally oppress and marginalize this community. Furthermore, we continue to witness ongoing assaults not only on the African-American community but on the support services and structures in place to aid its advancement, support and success. It is imperative that we continue to support and advocate, as well as actively participate in the democratic process, to eradicate ignorance, bias, and hatred. In March 1965, Dr. King delivered his famous “How Long, Not Long” speech on the steps of the State Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama. He called for people to continue the struggle for justice because the “arc of the moral universe” would bend toward justice for all people. I encourage us to reflect upon the current global injustices we are witnessing and urge us to practice radical belonging and justice. So, how long, not long, because when we continue to press forward collectively, the power of “we” is victorious!
To kick off the month, I would like to invite you to the Second Annual Black History Month Mixeron Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the University Center on the 5th Floor. This will be an opportunity to connect with each other and celebrate this community. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served.
I encourage you to visit the Black History Month website for the full list of events, community resources, and student organizations on campus. I look forward to celebrating this month with you!