The Library of Congress is an excellent source of information in many areas, including the Black experience and civil rights.

 

Some prominent Black history stories include: the life of Martin Luther King Jr. as a civil rights leader, Harriet Tubman’s heroic role in the Underground Railroad, where she was nicknamed “Moses”, the story of Jesse Owens winning gold medals at the Olympics in Nazi Germany, Marian Anderson’s fight against segregation as a world-class singer, Shirley Chisholm becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress, and Jackie Robinson breaking barriers in Major League Baseball as the first African American player;. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

 

Other notable stories include: [7]

  • Fannie Lou Hamer: A key figure in the civil rights movement, particularly for securing voting rights for African Americans. [7]
  • Barbara Jordan: The first Black woman elected to the Texas state senate and the first Black Texan in Congress. [8]
  • “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”: Maya Angelou’s powerful memoir detailing her childhood experiences with trauma and finding strength through literature. [9]
  • “Henry’s Freedom Box”: A children’s book about a true story on the Underground Railroad. [10]
  • “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History”: A collection of biographies highlighting accomplished African American women across various fields. [11]

 

 

[1] https://www.blackillustrations.com/blog/celebrating-black-history

[2] https://www.buzzfeed.com/madisonmcgee/black-historical-figures

[3] https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/black-history-month-reading-list-children-books

[4] https://www.commonlit.org/blog/10-reading-passages-celebrating-african-americans-de9d500c3e2/

[5] https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/robinson-jackie

[6] https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1510/

[7] https://www.familyeducation.com/entertainment-activities/holidays/black-history-month/25-must-read-childrens-books-for-black-history-month

[8] https://abc13.com/black-history-month-2021-martin-luther-king-jr-rosa-parks-reverend-bill-lawson/10132801/

[9] https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g32842006/black-history-books/

[10] https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/17-must-read-picture-books-to-celebrate-black-history-month.html

[11] https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/little-leaders-bold-women-in-black-history

 

List of web links for Black History Month, categorized for easy navigation:

Educational Resources:

  • The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH): Founded by Carter G. Woodson, the “father of Black history,” this organization is a treasure trove of information. https://asalh.org/
  • Black Past: An online reference center with a vast collection of primary documents, biographies, and historical essays. https://www.blackpast.org/
  • The National Museum of African American History and Culture: Explore the rich history and culture of African Americans through online exhibits and resources. https://nmaahc.si.edu/
  • The Library of Congress: Discover a wealth of digital materials related to African American history and culture. https://www.loc.gov/collections/african-american-history-and-culture/
  • The Civil Rights Digital Library: A comprehensive collection of primary source materials documenting the Civil Rights Movement. http://crdl.usg.edu/

Inspiring Figures:

Local Resources:

  • Your Local NAACP Branch: Connect with your local branch for events, resources, and opportunities to get involved. https://naacp.org/find-local-unit
  • Local Museums and Historical Societies: Many local institutions offer exhibits and programs related to Black history in your community.

Additional Resources:

  • Black History Month.gov: The official website for Black History Month, with information on events, resources, and educational materials. https://blackhistorymonth.gov/
  • PBS Black Culture Connection: Explore a variety of documentaries, interviews, and articles related to Black history and culture. https://www.pbs.org/black-culture/
  • Create a dedicated Black History Month page on your website.
  • Use engaging visuals, such as photos and videos.
  • Promote your Black History Month content on social media.
  • Encourage your members to share resources with their networks.

By sharing these resources, you can help educate and inspire your community about the rich history and contributions of African Americans.


Honor Our Legacy

Upcoming Events

Art manifests the spirit of African American history, narrating stories filled with passion and encouraging change. As we explore Black heritage, let us honor these creative outlets that document and express our collective journey. Through painting, literature, music, and dance, art provides insight into the vibrant cultures that shape our lives.

Cultural Expression Fest

Saturday, February 10, 2025

Join us for an enchanting evening that celebrates the artistic contributions of African Americans. This event showcases a variety of performances that encapsulate the beauty and struggles faced throughout history. Be ready to experience art that evokes deep emotions and delivers powerful messages.

Voices of the Past

Dive into a realm of storytelling as we present narratives that resonate with the African American experience. Witness how these artistic forms transition from the past into our contemporary lives and appreciate their ongoing influence.

Saturday, February 10, 2025

Musical Heritage Night

Saturday, February 10, 2025

Experience the melodies that gave voice to movements and celebrate the contributions of historic and contemporary musicians. Enjoy performances that not only entertain but shed light on rich cultural narratives.

Literary Works Showcase

Saturday, February 10, 2025

Join us to celebrate the written word and hear the powerful voices behind influential literature. Explore how the written stories of Black authors have shaped culture and inspired generations. We invite you to share in their messages of resilience and hope.

The Great Migration (1916-1970) refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West. It unfolded in two main waves:

  1. First Wave (1916-1940): This was driven by the need for better economic opportunities, escaping Jim Crow segregation, and fleeing racial violence in the South. African Americans sought jobs in industrial cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York, where the demand for labor in factories was high, especially during World War I.

  2. Second Wave (1941-1970): Following World War II, the migration continued, but now it was also fueled by better educational opportunities, civil rights activism, and the rise of the Civil Rights Movement. Many moved to cities like Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Boston, seeking a better quality of life and freedom from systemic racism.

Impact:

  • The Great Migration dramatically reshaped the demographics of American cities.
  • It played a key role in the development of the Harlem Renaissance and cultural shifts in art, music (notably jazz and blues), and literature.
  • It also contributed to the political and social changes of the mid-20th century, including the strengthening of African American political power in northern cities.

This movement fundamentally altered the cultural, political, and social landscape of the United States and left a lasting legacy on Black identity and American society

Black athletes were not aloud to compete with, against, or train with White people. So Black people formed their own leagues and teams.

Segregation in sports during the 20th century, particularly up to 1985, was a complex issue reflecting the broader racial tensions and discriminatory practices prevalent in society.1 Here’s an overview:

Early 20th Century (1900-1940s):

  • Racial Segregation: Sports were largely segregated, mirroring societal norms.2 African American athletes were excluded from most professional and many amateur leagues.3
  • “Gentlemen’s Agreement” in Baseball: Major League Baseball (MLB) had a “gentlemen’s agreement” that effectively banned Black players.4 This led to the rise of the Negro Leagues, providing a platform for talented Black baseball players.
  • Other Sports: Similar segregation existed in other sports like basketball and football, though some integration existed in college sports in certain regions.

Mid-20th Century (1940s-1960s):

  • Breaking the Color Barrier: Jackie Robinson’s historic debut in MLB in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers marked a turning point.5 It paved the way for other Black athletes to enter previously all-white professional leagues.
  • Slow Integration: While some progress was made, integration was gradual and often met with resistance.6 Many teams and leagues remained segregated or had quotas on the number of Black players.7
  • Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s played a crucial role in challenging segregation in sports and pushing for greater equality.

Late 20th Century (1970s-1985):

  • Continued Progress: By this period, most professional sports leagues were officially integrated. However, challenges remained in terms of equal opportunities, representation in leadership positions, and addressing racial bias.
  • Increased Visibility: Black athletes became increasingly prominent and successful in various sports, serving as role models and inspiring future generations.

Key Figures and Events:

  • Jackie Robinson: Broke the color barrier in MLB.8
  • Jesse Owens: African American track and field star who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.9
  • Althea Gibson: First Black woman to win Grand Slam tennis titles.
  • Bill Russell: Dominant basketball player for the Boston Celtics, known for his activism.10

Additional Considerations:

  • Gender: Segregation also affected women in sports, with limited opportunities and resources compared to men.
  • Other Minorities: While the focus is often on Black athletes, other minority groups also faced discrimination and exclusion in sports.
  • Regional Differences: Segregation patterns varied across different regions of the United States.

The history of segregation in sports is a testament to the struggles and triumphs of athletes who fought for equality. While significant progress has been made, the legacy of segregation continues to impact sports today, highlighting the ongoing need for diversity, inclusion, and social justice.