Black History Month began as National Negro Week in 1926 and in 1976 President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month. February was chosen as the celebration month because it encompasses the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas. During Black History Month the, contributions and movements of African Americans are celebrated.
This year, the Martin L. King Jr. Recreation center will celebrate Black History Month on Saturday, February 25, at 10 a.m. Patrick Powers, DISD teacher is the keynote speaker. The program features youth who will portray historical African Americans questioning the audience, Who Am I? as well as musical selections by Travis Brown, Alice Hudspeth and Dr. Marquis Nuby.
Also, students, ages kindergarten through college, enter the Black History Art Contest paying tribute to the national theme, Black Resistance. Artwork will be displayed at the Martin L. King Jr. Recreation Center. Each participant will be acknowledged for their contribution and the winner announced during the program.
African Americans have a rich history. This history was filled with resistance, sacrifice, and triumph. Through stories, music, and the arts a piece of history is commemorated. The lives of the people will be remembered and their contributions celebrated.