History:
In 1915, Carter G. Woodson, a historian keenly interested in education, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. It was through this organization that he began pressing for a "Negro History Week" as a mechanism for exploring the contributions of Black Americans. This dream became reality in 1926. Woodson chose the second week of February because two persons he felt had dramatically affected the lives of Black Americans were born during that month: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. It would be much later, in 1976, when the now-renamed Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History would succeed in promoting this week into Black History Month.
Proposal:
Proposal to Celebrate Black History Every Month
by Hon. Marvin L. 'Doc' Cheatham, Sr.
National Director of Social Action
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
In 1926
wanting to make sure that African American contributions to society were
not ignored, Carter G. Woodson (left) proposed and established
an annual observance
- "NEGRO HISTORY WEEK." |
While this observance has expanded and is now a month-long event there is still
some insufficiency here. One month, and the shortest month at that, really
does not bring true justice and sufficient truth to this subject matter.
Additionally,
neither proper recognition
nor due honor has been bestowed Dr. Woodson. As the National Director of Social
Action I am coming forth to everyone with a concept to expand the studying,
recognition and celebration of Dr. Carter
Goodwin Woodson's great idea while at the same time giving him his just due
honor. We could, of course, render a number of arguments in favor of expanding
to more than just one month, but we are certain many of you have already heard
a significant number of these justifiable reasons. We more than likely have
left out some general subject matters and we assuredly need your assistance.
Our ultimate goal is to have every African American embrace the expansion of
Black
History month to the 19th of each month as follows:
During the Month of | Celebrate |
February | Black History Month |
March | Science, Invention and Technology |
April | Literature and Humanities |
May | Malcolm X, Politics, Religion and Law |
June | Juneteenth Celebrations, Slavery and The Military |
July | Health |
August | Athletics and Entertainment |
September | Business, Education and Communication |
October | Music, The Arts and Theatre |
November | Culture, History and Genealogy |
December | Birth date Celebration of Dr. Woodson and Kwanzaa |
January | Kings, Queens and Global Affairs |
Everyone reading and hearing about the expansion of Black History Month to
the 19th of each month, inclusive of the entire month of February, is asked
to do the following:
1. Immediately share this information with everyone that you can
2. Forward a copy of this information to at least one minority newspaper in your
local community
3. Send a copy to at least one predominantly African-American organization; and
4. Call your local radio station and ask them to air this exciting and new expansion
of Black History Month
5. Please send to 'Doc' Cheatham the urls of all Black History Month web pages - SocialActProg@pbs1914.org
Hon. Marvin L. 'Doc' Cheatham, Sr.
National Director of Social Action
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
DSC #124 & Life Member
http://www.afamerica.com/sigma
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