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The History of Black History Month:
The precursor to Black History Month, Negro History Week, was initiated in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. The celebration was to be held the second week of February. This week was chosen because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, so was traditionally a time for celebrating emancipation. Black History Month was first proposed by black educators and students at Kent State University in February 1969 and the first celebration was held the following year on campus. In 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. In an address to the nation, he urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Black History Month at the Hudson Area Library
Video Storytime with Pamela Badila, on our YouTube channel. New videos will be posted every Wednesday in February.
History Webinar: Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow, Wednesday, February 16, 6pm
Nonfiction Book Group: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, Monday, February 28, 6pm
History of the Black Community in Hudson: A Discussion of the Black Legacy Association of Columbia County (BLACC) Oral History Project, Monday, March 3, 6pm
Early Literacy Giveaway Bag– crafts and books to take home. Free to all readers and pre-readers 5 and under. Available at the main circulation desk.
Black History Month Events in Hudson and New York State
New York State Parks and Historic Sites are offering programs that highlight the contributions of Black New Yorkers to the history of the state.
Hudson Hall is hosting the 2022 Hudson Jazz Festival. Entitled “Lift Every Voice,” after the Black national anthem, the eight-day festival conveys a message of hope and revival and celebrates the artistry of Black jazz musicians and their innovation of the genre.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture are offering a Black History Month Series, in addition to other ongoing programs.
Know of any local events that we should highlight? Email programs@hudsonarealibrary.org.
Educational Resources
Black History Month Resource Guide for Educators and Families from the Center For Racial Justice – A large list of curriculum resources, think pieces, and books for students of all ages to help teach and learn about Black history all year long.
Black History Themes from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History – this year’s theme is Black Health and Wellness. Explore previous themes from as early as 1928.
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – explore their collections, exhibitions, video and audio, and virtual events celebrating Black History month.
Explore library materials related to Black History Month through our physical and digital collections and online resources. Click here to see what is available through our online catalog.
