Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions African Americans have made to our country’s culture. We should take this opportunity to recognize the importance of Black History and the difference black American heroes have made in our thinking and in the way we treat our fellow man. In the defining of our diversity, let us strive to be a bridge between those differences. Let us always remember Coretta Scott King’s statement, "Hate is too great a burden to bear.
KANSAS CITY'S BEST KEPT JAZZ SECRET: MILLIE EDWARDS
Okay, so we’re not really good at keeping secrets… but, we didn't get a chance to blog about this back when it happened: Blue Ridge was pleased to host jazz soloist, Millie Edwards this past September, and seeing as it is Black History Month and we have a display on Jazz right now, we'll tell you all about it! Accompanying Ms. Edwards during this visit was Caleb Aldrich on saxophone, Marc Caplan on drums, and Greg Meise on keyboard - and they all did wonderfully.
February is Black History Month. As I was musing on the subject over the weekend, I was reminded of a report I wrote and read aloud to my class in 6th grade. The assignment was straightforward; we all had to choose a historically important African-American, do a bit of research in the library, and tell the class a bit about his or her life and accomplishments. Most of my classmates chose Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., or George Washington Carver, all of whom did great things, I might add.
In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson set out with an idea to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history; he started the very first Negro History Week that year. What you might not know is that black history had barely begun to be studied-or even documented-when this tradition originated. Although blacks had been in America at least as far back as colonial times, it wasn't until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the history books.
Looking Back, Looking Forward to Celebrate and Honor
This month is a time for reflection, recognition, and empowerment. It’s a time to honor the known and unknown heroes who endured and overcame insurmountable odds to get us where we are now. In February, we celebrate the men, women, and children who persisted through unfathomable struggles, but we do so as if it is history only come and gone. It is not merely history we celebrate but culture and progress, as well.
Periodicals at MGC-Celebrating African American History Month
In celebration of African American History Month, MGC will spotlight African American heritage throughout the month of February. We hope you will enjoy our upcoming blogs and share your experiences with us, too.
How does spending a quiet afternoon in the Library sound? Sit back in one of our comfortable chairs by the window and read a few periodicals.
