Black History Month – 100 Years in the Making

Being Senior Citizens, we are still fond of reading the newspaper versus keeping upto- date via the Internet and social media. The February 10th edition of the Fayette County Record front page main story headline caused us mixed emotions. In bold, large print, February was proclaimed Quilt Month in La Grange; City Readies for Big Show. We have absolutely nothing against quilts or quilt making. Our mothers and grandmothers were members of quilting bees and we can remember cutting out varies patterns from discarded clothing that ultimately made beautiful quilts.

Black History month originated as “Negro History Week” in February 1926, created by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the study of African American Life and History (ASALH) to promote Black History in schools. February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Both men were instrumental in the abolition of slavery. It was recognized by President Gerald Ford and expanded to a month in 1976.

Black contributions and inventions were vital to the building and developing the United States of America. We felt it necessary to call attention to February being Black History Month. Now, for all the Internet and History enthusiasts, search google or AI generated information and really discover just how vast the Black Experience has truly been. Pastor Louis Zachary, of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, has allocated time during each Sunday Worship Service to recognize Black achievements, past and present, in literature, fashion, medicine, war time, politics, science, education, inventions, music, entertainment, and sports to name a few.