I hope you and yours are doing well. I am doing well, all thanks to the Almighty. As we all know the month of February commemorates national Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, in the United States and Canada. It is an annual observance for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. As a Sierra Leonean American woman, I celebrate this month because I am grateful for the path that the women and men who came before me and of today contribute to my opportunities and drive.
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| Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson |
The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week." This week was chosen because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and of Frederick Douglass on February 14, both of which dates Black communities had celebrated together since the late 19th century. From the event's initial phase, primary emphasis was placed on encouraging the coordinated teaching of the history of American blacks in the nation's public schools. The first Negro History Week was met with a lukewarm response, gaining the cooperation of the Departments of Education of the states of North Carolina, Delaware, and West Virginia as well as the city school administrations of Baltimore (Maryland) and Washington (District of Columbia). At the time of Negro History Week's launch, Woodson contended that the teaching of black history was essential to ensure the physical and intellectual survival of the race within broader society.
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| Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson |
The expansion of Black History Week to Black History Month was first proposed by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969. The first celebration of the Black History Month took place at Kent State one year later, in February 1970. In 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial, the informal expansion of Negro History Week to Black History Month was officially recognized by the U.S. government. President Gerald Ford spoke in regards to this, urging Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."
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| Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson |
We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation's greatness. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.
EVERY MONTH IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH!
Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Earth Maryland 2015
Continuing the legacy of beauty and responsibility
