LEAD

How to Celebrate Black History Month

By Brittney Johnson
February 17, 2010

Back in 1915, Black History Month did not even exist. It began as a publication started by just two men, Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Reverend Jesse E. Moorland. They wanted to educate people about African American contributions to society and encourage a sense of pride in the culture. Expanding the publication, Woodson created Negro History and Literature Week later changed to Negro History Week. Woodson choose a week in February to commemorate Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, two figures influential in gaining rights for African Americans and whose birthdays happened to be in February. By 1976, the then Black History Week was extended to a month and recognized nationally. [Courtesy of Biography.com] Today, you too can celebrate and reflect on the rich culture of African Americans no matter race, creed, religion, or political views. Here's how:

• Thursday, February 16, 2010 Film Screening and Discussion of Precious Trotter Multicultural Center, 1st floor lounge, 7:30 pm-10 pm Brought to you be MESA/Trotter & NAACP
  
  
• Thursday, February 18, 2010 "A Girl Like Me, A Girl Like You": Conversations on Beauty and Women of Color (MPA) Couzens Hall, CAMEO Lounge, 7 pm Brought to you by University Housing, Office of Cultural Awareness and Diversity Education, Couzens Hall Minority Peer Advisor
  
  
• Thursday, February 18-Friday, February 19, 2010 "Growing Up Motown: Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and the Making of Motown" Palmer Commons, 10:00 am-7 pm for more info visit http://www.lsa.umich.edu/cass Brought to you by CAAS, University of Michigan's American Music Institute, University Unions Arts Programs
  
  
• Sunday, February 21, 2010 A Celebration of the Black Voice: Past, Present and Future Angel Hall Auditorium A, 6 pm-8 pm For more info: sys.board@umich.edu
  
  
• Thursday, February 25, 2010" "Holding the State Accountable: Peoples Struggle for Civil Rights- South Quad, Ambatana Lounge, 7 pm Brought to you by SAFE, Peace and Justice Commission, University Housing, Office of Cultural Awareness and Diversity Education, South Quad MPA, MESA/Trotter
  
  
• Thursday, February 25, 2010 "Mama Didn't Raise No Fool": Test Your Knowledge of Black History Michigan Union, Room 2105 B, 7 pm Brought to you by National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)-U of M Chapter
  
  
• For long-term commitments, apply for: Support for Incoming Black Students (S.I.B.S) Become a mentor for the incoming 2014 class! Apply by February 18, 2010. Watch for MESA emails for more details.
  
  
• When you're studying in the Stacks, Ugli, or any other library and need a break, read up on people such as Frederick Douglas, Phillis Wheatley, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and countless others. Those books are not just for looking at!
  
  
• Many television stations broadcast classic African American shows and movies throughout February. TV One, VH1, Lifetime to name a few. If you don't have cable, the local libraries offer similarly relevant movies. Again--for free! (Ann Arbor District Library requires proof of residence for a library card).
  
  
• If you live in the dorms, it is likely that your multicultural councils are organizing events catered to Black History Month.
  
  
• When you're updating your Facebook status, tweeting, or checking gmail, head over to History.com and Biography.com. They have special section highlighting Black History Month with origins of the tradition, quick facts, and other info. It's right at your fingertips! You can challenge your friends and impress your parents!
  
  See it's easy. You'll learn something new and hopefully continue the legacy Woodson and Moorland started 95 years ago!