Durham County
HomeFebruary Heritage & Cultural Highlight: Black History Month
About
Equitable Well Being proudly recognizes and celebrates Black History Month, which was conceived 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. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and understanding within Durham County. Together, we strive to acknowledge, learn from, and appreciate the diverse narratives that shape our collective history.
Equitable Well-Being Activities
Black History Month Game Day: 2/20, 11:30am-1:30pm ADMIN II 466
Join us for an engaging and educational Black History Month Jeopardy game! Celebrate the rich heritage and achievements of the Black community as we test your knowledge in a fun and competitive atmosphere. Be prepared to enjoy local cuisine provided by City BBQ. Mark your calendars for an enlightening experience that honors the past and inspires the future while celebrating diversity! Sign up in DCo Learning today.
Connecting
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. Also, contact Nadia Phillips, (nphillips@dconc.gov), the MWBE Coordinator at DCo, to learn about events highlighting and support MWBE’s this month!
Learning
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 Ta-Nehisi Coates “Between the World and Me” reflects on the realities of being Black in America, and movies such as “Hidden Figures” highlight contributions of the Black community in the advancement of our society. By actively participating in learning initiatives during this month, we not only honor the past but also contribute to fostering a more inclusive and enlightened future. Let's embrace the chance to broaden our perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and stand united in acknowledging diverse and influential Black history.
Doing
Wondering about ways to actively engage in dialogues and events? Here are a couple of upcoming opportunities that will allow you to dive deeper and contribute to understanding Black History within and throughout the County of Durham.
Local Events
- Hayti Heritage Film Festival Home - Hayti Films
- Focus your spending on Black Owned Businesses in Durham
- NCCU Art Museum | North Carolina Central University
- Black August in the Park BAP Date Drop | RSVP BAP24 (blackaugustinthepark.com)
- 19th Annual MLK-Black History Month Parade & Block Party Information (spectacularmag.com)
- UNC Finding Your People Virtual Panel Discussion
National Events
- A People’s Journey, A Nation’s Story | National Museum of African American History and Culture (si.edu)
- Art as a Platform for Social Justice
- African American History Timeline
Conversation Starters
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?