Celebrating Black History Month in February
FAACT is humbled to join our nation in recognizing Black History Month. Our commitment to our food allergy community includes a commitment to a stronger understanding and learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion. To this end, FAACT is working with members of the FAACT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board to affect change as we break down the barriers of systemic racism and inequity that many food allergy families experience.
How did Black History Month get started? In 1926, the Association for the Study of American Life and History sponsored Negro History Week to honor the accomplishments and history of black Americans. For decades, people in black communities continued this tradition, and several mayors across the U.S. issued proclamations in support of this week. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s, when the Civil Rights Movement was in its prime, that this celebration picked up more traction. The period of celebration was extended, and Negro History Week was renamed Black History Month.
It is important to remember the experiences and sacrifices of those who participated in Negro History Week, the Civil Rights Movement, and other forward-moving endeavors. It is through this push for justice and equality for Black people and African-Americans that we all can learn great lessons about pushing for change and inclusion.
In the food allergy community, these very lessons of persistence, standing on what is right, unity, and so much more have helped us advocate for legislation, change manufacturing processes, improve research, and create more robust education about food allergies and their impact on all persons in every community.
During this special month, we invite you to celebrate Black leaders who inspire us and learn more about Black culture in America. Here are a few places to get started:
- Read Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream’” speech.
- Learn about an unsung hero of Black History each week this month from FAACT.
- Visit the Civil Rights Movement Veterans website to view examples of freedom movement posters, then create your own poster with your children.
- Search Black History in the National Archives Library to discover photographs, articles, and information on topics ranging from slavery to civil rights.
- Learn the lyrics to “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” which is often referred to as the “Black National Anthem.”
- Explore Black authors by visiting Semicolon (a black-woman-owned bookstore) or your favorite local bookseller.
- Visit the websites of the National Civil Rights Museum and the U.S. Civil Rights Trail to experience virtual exhibits and events.
- Visit a local library for Black History Month Storytime Events
- Check out Black History Month events on EventBrite.
Thank you NAACP and WeAreTeachers.com for these inspirational ideas for self-reflection and education.
