February is Black History Month and San Diego County Library is celebrating the heritage and contributions of African Americans throughout history.
Libraries across the county are celebrating throughout the month with book displays honoring African American achievements and special community events. Events include:
- "I Got It with Bobby Hearns, Spring Valley Library, February 17 at 2:30 p.m.
- Buffalo Soldiers War Reenactment, Lemon Grove Library, February 23 at 5 p.m.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Choir, Lemon Grove Library, February 23 at 6 p.m
Black History Month Origins
Black History Month evolved from Negro History Week, which was initiated February 12, 1926, by historian Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History). Its purpose was to educate the public about the true history of African Americans. Negro History Week was scheduled to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14), both considered key contributors to African American history.
The observance was established as Black History Month in 1976, and since then has been celebrated every February.
[ Read more about the origins of Black History Month... ]
Resources
Book Lists
- San Diego County Library's Black History Month Book List (PDF)
- National Education Association African American Book List
- San Diego County Library Black History Month Book List
Biographies
San Diego County/California Black History
- San Diego Black History Links (San Diego Historical Society)
- History of African-Americans in Downtown San Diego 1860-1960 (CCDC)
- The California Underground Railroad (CSU Sacramento Library)
- A History of Black Americans in California (National Park Service)
- African Americans in California (Bancroft Library)
Online Exhibits
- African American World (PBS)
- African American History Month
- Black History Month (History Channel)