Black History Month 2022
by Dentist Inglewood
Every February America honors the contributions of African Americans who helped shape the nation. It is a reminder that Black history and culture are part of being an American. At New Image Dental our entire Los Angeles office recognizes and celebrates the culture, achievements, and hardships which are a vital part of the country’s history.
African American Life and History
The Association of the Study of African American Life and History, also known as ASALH, appoints a new theme every year. This year’s theme is Black Health and Wellness. “This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birth workers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals, and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.”
The theme is especially important as the country pays respect to scholars and health care workers as we enter our third year of the pandemic, which has disproportionally affected and burdened minority communities. New Image Dental office extends special respect to our African American staff, patients, and our African American dentists and dental hygienist.
Origin of Black History Month
Originally, it was established in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, who was the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, as “Negro History Week.” He believed that the truth could not be denied, and that reason would triumph over prejudice.
It was a week-long celebration in the second week of February. Woodson intended this week to encourage the teaching of Black history in public schools. Schools and communities across the nation endorsed Woodson’s effort by organizing celebrations, creating history clubs, and hosting performances and lectures.
By 1960, many college campuses began to establish Black History Month. It became an official and nationwide month of celebration in 1976 when it was recognized by President Gerald Ford. Ford called Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
February is Black History Month
February was chosen as Black History Month because it coincides with the birthdays of both Fredrick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Douglas was a former slave and an important figure in ending slavery and Lincoln was involved with the emancipation of slaves.
Honoring all Black People
Today it honors all Black people from the enslaved people first brought from Africa in the 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today. It is a time to honor activists and civil rights pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Thurgood Marshall, and other leaders in all aspects of Black culture.
Forty years after the official recognition of Black History Month by Ford, Barack Obama delivered a message from the White House. He explained that Black History Month is “about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America.”
Canada also celebrates Black History Month in February while Ireland and the UK celebrate it in October. Black History Month continues the discussion of Black people through museums, films, and the encouragement of studying their achievements.