The Becoming of

Black History Month

ByCatara CageMs.Mocsary

English 101-67

Every great dream begins with a dreamer.

Always remember, you have within youthe strength, the patience, and the passion to

reach for stars to change the world---Harriet Tubman

Introduction• Black History Month is observed each February &

celebrates achievements of African Americans.

• In February 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson proposed the establishment of "Negro History Week" to honor the history and contributions of African Americans to American life.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson

The Year of 1976• Dr. Woodson, known as the "Father of Black

History", chose the second week of February because it commemorates the birthdays of two men who greatly affected the African American community: Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). Negro History Week became Black History Month in the early 1970's. In 1976, the week-long observance was expanded to a month in honor of the nation's bicentennial.

Abraham LincolnFredrick Douglas

Cricitism• Black History Month sparks an annual debate about

the continued usefulness and fairness of a designated month dedicated to the history of one race. Many people hold concerns about black history being delegated to a single month and the "hero worship" of some of the historical figures often recognized

• Morgan Freeman, a critic of Black History Month, said: "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history." Freeman also argued that there was no White History Month because white people did not want their history relegated to just one month.

Abolitionists• Frederick Douglass escaped

from slavery and spoke around the country and Europe about the evils of slavery.

• Harriet Tubman escaped slavery and then went back South to help many slaves escape to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Harriet Tubman

Frederick Douglass

Civil Rights Leaders• Rosa Parks is called the “Mother of

the Civil Rights Movement”. One day after working hard at her job, she was riding the bus home. There were laws that black people could not sit where they wanted on the bus – they had to sit in the back. The bus driver asked her to give up her seat so a white man could sit down. Rosa said “no” and was taken to jail.

Civil Rights Leaders• Martin Luther King was a Baptist

preacher in Montgomery, Alabama. He led a boycott of the city bus system and this led to the civil rights movement. He dedicated his life to achieving equality and justice for all Americans of all colors. King believed that peaceful protest was the best way to bring about social change. Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968.

Martin Luther King

Inventors• Elijah McCoy invented a device for oiling

steam engines in 1872. The term “the real McCoy” is believed to be a reference about the reliability of Elijah McCoy’s invention.

• Garrett Augustus Morgan invented the first stop light. He sold his invention to General Electric Company. He also invented the gas mask that solders in WWI used.

Elijah McCoy

Garrett Morgan

Scientists

Mae Jemison

• Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed the first open heart surgery in 1893.

• Dr. Mae Jemison was the first black woman in space in 1992. She traveled in the spaceship Endeavor.

Daniel Hale Williams

• Hank Aaron is a famous baseball player. In 1974, he beat Babe Ruth’s home run record of 715 home runs. Hank held the record for 755 home runs for over 30 years.

Athletes

Athletes

• Jesse Owens was a track and field athlete. He represented the USA at the 1936 Olympic Games held in Nazi Germany. Owens won four gold medals and set a world record in the long jump. Hitler left the stadium to avoid having to congratulate an African-American.

Jesse Owens

Conclusion

• Black History Month is a time to remember our past and celebrate the many achievements of African-Americans!