As a Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson, like W. E. B. Du Bois before him, believed that truth could not be denied and that reason would prevail over prejudice. His hopes to raise awareness of African American’s contributions to civilization was realized when he and the organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), conceived and announced Negro History Week in 1925. The event was first celebrated during a week in February 1926 that encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The response was overwhelming: Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils; and progressive whites, not simply white scholars and philanthropists, stepped forward to endorse the effort.
By the time of Woodson’s death in 1950, Negro History Week had become a central part of African American life and substantial progress had been made in bringing more Americans to appreciate the celebration. At mid–century, mayors of cities nationwide issued proclamations noting Negro History Week. The Black Awakening of the 1960s dramatically expanded the consciousness of African Americans about the importance of black history, and the Civil Rights movement focused Americans of all color on the subject of the contributions of African Americans to our history and culture.
The celebration was expanded to a month in 1976, the nation’s bicentennial. President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” That year, fifty years after the first celebration, the association held the first African American History Month. By this time, the entire nation had come to recognize the importance of Black history in the drama of the American story. Since then each American president has issued African American History Month proclamations. And the association—now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)—continues to promote the study of Black history all year.
(Excerpt from an essay by Daryl Michael Scott, Howard University, for the Association for the Study of African American Life and History)
For more information visit http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/about.html.
The Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. does not endorse any of the businesses listed on this website.
The repercussions of teen dating violence are impossible to ignore – they hurt not just the young people victimized but also their families, friends, schools and communities. Throughout February, organizations and individuals nationwide are coming together to highlight the need to educate young people about dating violence, teach healthy relationship skills and prevent the devastating cycle of abuse. With their adult allies, youth activists achieved a major victory in 2005 and 2013 when the importance of addressing teen dating abuse was highlighted in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
Both Chambers of Congress have declared the entire month of February to teen dating violence awareness and prevention. Visit http://teendvmonth.org/2015/ for more information. The Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. does not endorse any of the businesses listed on this website.
National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
How, when, why and where we eat are just as important as what we eat. Develop a mindful eating pattern that includes nutritious and flavorful foods – that’s the best way to savor the flavor of eating right!
To find out more information, visit The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website. The Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. does not endorse any of the businesses listed on this website.
In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”
(From the Law Library of Congress’ guide to the legislative history of Women’s History Month.)
Visit http://womenshistorymonth.gov/about.html for more information.The Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. does not endorse any of the businesses listed on this website.
This month is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the importance of skin cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, including basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million cases in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
You can visit the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center Website for more facts and information about the research being done to prevent it. The Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. does not endorse any of the businesses listed on this website.
National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities. Visit the National Safety Council website for more information about safety issues and training.The Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. does not endorse any of the businesses listed on this website.
National HIV Testing Day was established as an annual observance to promote HIV testing. The theme is “Take the Test. Take Control.”
This month is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the importance of skin cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, including basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million cases in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
You can visit the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center Website for more facts and information about the research being done to prevent it. The Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. does not endorse any of the businesses listed on this website.
This month is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the importance of skin cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, including basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million cases in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
You can visit the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center Website for more facts and information about the research being done to prevent it. The Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. does not endorse any of the businesses listed on this website.