From Shelly's Shelf: Celebrating Black History Month with the Hope Branch Library

When I was recently putting up a display to honor Black History month it made me wonder where this idea got its spark. This led to research on the topic, of course, at the library!

A man by the name of Carter G. Woodson was a historian that was “known as the father of Black history” in the early 1900s. He was a Harvard graduate, and in 1915 started the association for the study of African American Life and history. This association is still active today and chooses the theme for Black history month each year. 

Each year the ASALH likes to highlight a specific facet of Black history. The theme for 2025 is African Americans and Labor. In 1926 Carter G. Woodson established a week in the month of February to be recognized as “Black History Week,” which he felt coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Then, in 1976 Gerald Ford officially established February as Black History Month.

I also gave thought to how we all can celebrate and recognize Black history and culture not only in the past, but the present as well. 

One way to honor these four weeks would be to come to the Hope Library and pick up a free button to wear commemorating this month. 

While visiting you may want to check out a book from the Black History month display such as “In the shadow of Liberty: the hidden history of slavery, four presidents, and five Black lives” by Kenneth C. Davis. This book gives a genuine account of the real people who helped give birth to this nation we have today. 

Another great account to celebrate the achievements in Black history would be the DVD from our Racial Equity Film collection titled “Black history activators” by Shannon Malone- Debenedictis. This video includes some of the more notable individuals of Black history such as Maya Angelou, Frederick Douglass, and W.E.B. DuBois. The film spans one hundred years of Black history. I realized that some of this history was not even taught while I was in school!

Reading books, watching films, and wearing buttons to celebrate Black history month are great, but what can we as a community do more of? Why not attend a couple of events? I will be giving a visual presentation about Madame C. J. Walker at 6 p.m. at the Hope Library February 26. There will be coloring sheets, and a raffle for a Madame C. J. Walker Barbie doll, as well.

If that seems tedious then come to the All Book’d Book Club and discuss the novel “When Stars Rain Down” by the African American writer, professor, poet, and playwright Angela Jackson-Brown.

The above-mentioned events are sure to start a conversation with your Black friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Carter G. Woodson planted a seed to honor Black Americans, celebrate their achievements, and understand their culture. I am so honored that we as a nation can not only celebrate Black history every February, but all through the year.