Black History Month 2018
Black History Month is an annual celebration that began under President Gerald F. Ford in 1976, to recognize and honor achievements of black Americans, as well as a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in the history of our great nation.
It reminds us that black history is everyone’s history, because the impact that African Americans have made on this country is a part of America’s collective consciousness.
The theme for Black History Month 2018 is “African Americans in Time of War,” honoring those who served their country, especially those who lost their lives defending the American ideals of democracy and freedom.
As we mark the 42nd year of National African American History Month, let us reflect on the sacrifices and contributions made by generations of African Americans, and let us resolve to continue our march toward a day when every person knows the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
At the time of writing this post, President Trump has yet to announce how the White House will honor Black History month, and although Trump stated often he wants to be the President for “all people,” he alienated many people during his campaign. We hope the White House will host a series of events in recognition of Black History Month as has been the tradition for over 40 years.
Newly opened in the fall of 2016, you can also visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American history and culture in Washington D.C. As early as 1915, a group of black Civil War veterans began pushing for a memorial and museum dedicated to black service members. Then came the great depression, and not until 2001 was it brought up again by a group of bipartisan lawmakers who passed a bill to open the museum. The museum has over 40,000 works, many were artifacts from every day Americans who were excited to share the bits and pieces of history collected by their ancestors.
Around the country colleges, churches and community organization will be holding educational events, worship, festivals and celebrations in honor of Black History month. We encourage you to attend and to visit some of the most historical sites in black history in this country. The History channel offer programs each year honoring Black History Month.
