Here at SUNY Ulster we strive to encourage a diverse atmosphere of inclusion. One of the many ways that we try to achieve this goal is with our robust celebration of Black History Month.
Our Chief Diversity Officer, Candice Van Dyke – London, stated in a recent interview that SUNY Ulster wants to create awareness and open dialogue. We want to focus on the acknowledgment and celebration of Black Americans’ contributions throughout the history of the world. It is her desire that highlighting these contributions will help everyone move away from the one-dimensional view that America has of Black history.
Candice sees Black History Month as a time to recognize and honor the role that Black Americans have played in the foundation of America. This month provides a means of reminding us all what Black Americans have fought for and overcome and the continued battle they face every day for equity and equality.
A Brief History
In 1915, 50 years after the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, historian Carter Woodson and minister Jesse Moorland founded the Study of Negro Life and History. This organization was dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and others of African descent.
In 1926 the group sponsored a national Negro History Week. They chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Schools and communities nationwide planned events, celebrations, performances, and lectures to commemorate the event.
Over the next 40 years, mayors and cities across the nation issued yearly proclamations recognizing Negro History Week. Until, in the late ’60s, it became known as Black History Week throughout a number of higher learning institutions.
In 1976 president Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month. He called upon everyone to, “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Every year since 1976 February has been recognized as Black History Month.
SUNY Ulster invites you to view a Black History Month Slide Show.
