February: Black History Month
Equitable Well Being proudly recognizes and celebrates Black History Month, which was created by the historian Carter G. Woodson and members of his Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History) in 1926. Black History month started off as Negro History Week and expanded to Black History Month in 1976. It provides the opportunity to honor the rich contributions, achievements, and resilience of the Black Community throughout history. Together, we strive to acknowledge, learn from, and appreciate the varied and rich narratives that shape our collective history.
Equitable Well Being Activity
Lunch & Learn on Feb 25th11:30am, HHS Conference Room A, B & C
Join us for an inspiring and interactive Black History Month Lunch and Learn! We are honored to welcome Durham’s longest-serving mayor Bill Bell as our guest speaker. Engage in meaningful conversation, enjoy a delicious lunch provided by local caterers, and get ready to be motivated. Mark your calendars for an afternoon of learning, connection, and celebration of our shared history and culture. Sign up in DCo Learning today!
Connect
As we celebrate Black History Month, we proudly highlight local institutions and organizations such as NCCU, Discover Durham, Hayti Heritage Center, Duke University , UNC Chapel Hill, and DCO’s own Durham County Library*. These organizations all have Black History Month programming and information to help you learn more, honor the contribution and resilience of the black community, and celebrate its impact on our city, county, and country.
Learn
Black History Month offers a crucial opportunity for deepening our understanding of the profound impact, resilience, and contributions of the Black community throughout history. A book by Isabel Wilkerson, The Warmth of Other Suns, captures the transformative journey of African Americans during the Great Migration, shedding light on the pursuit of freedom and opportunity in the face of adversity. Similarly, the movie Selma powerfully portrays the historic fight for voting rights, highlighting the bravery and determination of civil rights leaders and activists. By engaging with such meaningful works during Black History Month, we deepen our understanding of the struggles and triumphs of the Black community. Together, let’s take this opportunity to broaden our perspectives, challenge societal inequities, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Black history.
Specifically, the Durham County Library has a fantastic line up of activities and events for folks of all ages during Black History Month. Check out how you can participate at Durham County Library - DCoL Events & Room Reservations - Durham County Library.
Do
Here are ways to actively engage in dialogues and events around Black History within and throughout the County of Durham.
- Black History Month Parade NC MLK Black History Month Parade
- Discover Durham Event Calendar Support Black Owned Business and Events
- Visit Stagville of the largest NC Plantations Stagville State Historic Site
- Participate in 24th Annual African American Cultural Celebration
- The Ongoing Fight for Freedom: Stories of NC Black Veterans
- Triangle on the Cheap Black History Month Event Calendar
- National Events
- Honoring Invisible Changemakers of Industry and Community Building | National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Living Voices| Bringing Life to History
- African American History Timeline
Discuss
Here are some questions to start conversations with others about Black History Month. For leaders, try building in time in supervision or team meetings to prompt staff conversations about Black History Month. Options could include:
- Did you learn anything new about Black History this month?
- What influential figure or event from Black History has left a lasting impact on you personally?
- Did you learn anything new during Black History that has inspired or impacted your perspective?
- How did you participate in Black History Month?