This year’s theme is Black Resistance: Sustaining, fortifying and respecting Black life.
The Movement
Black History Month came to us from Black historian, author and scholar Carter G. Woodson. Born in 1875 to illiterate parents who were formerly enslaved, he eventually became the second Black American to receive a PhD in History from Harvard University before joining the faculty at Howard University.
Despite his accomplishments, Woodson was barred from participating in American Historical Association conferences (even though he was a dues-paying member). According to the NAACP, this was part of Woodson’s realization that the white-dominated historical profession had “overlooked, ignored and even suppressed” African American contributions.
In 1926, Woodson created Negro History Week to promote and educate people about Black history and culture. This took place during the second week of February, coinciding with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass (a leader of the abolitionist movement) and Abraham Lincoln (for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation).
In 1976, the movement was officially recognized by President Ford as the month-long observance we celebrate today.
There is no American history without African American history.” – Sara Clarke Kaplan, Executive Director of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University in Washington, D.C.
Today’s Moment
At EarthLab, we center equity and justice into our vision of the future, which means we must never forget the past in our thoughts because they influence our actions in the present.
We recognize that global events like COVID-19 and extreme weather disasters driven by climate change have worsened historical and current harm in addition to structural inequities, particularly towards Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. We believe sustainable environmental solutions come with the reckoning of this knowledge.
This month, we invite you to listen, learn, watch, support, and be in community with Black Resistance through resources and opportunities at UW and our community, some of which we’ve put together below!
Because it helps us to remember, there is no more powerful force than a people steeped in their history.”- Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, Smithsonian Institution
Listen & Learn
- UW Libraries Racial Justice Lib Guide
This is a starting point for students and faculty seeking to better understand issues related to racial justice and racism in America and includes a broad range of sources including current news, TED Talks, podcasts, social media and more.
This is a resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Seattle’s rich cultural heritage, including museums, historic sites, public art and neighborhoods that will give you an insider’s view of Seattle’s vibrant ethnic communities and unique history.
Watch Together
On May 5, 2022, EarthLab had a virtual conversation with Leah Thomas, founder of the Intersectional Environmentalist organization.
This event recording features Leah reading an excerpt from her new book, “The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet,” and a Q&A session with the audience.
You can watch the full recorded event below:
Support
Find a Black-owned business to support this month (and every month) by searching Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle’s directory of 100+ local businesses!
The UW Black Opportunity Fund invests in services and programs for health and academic success, including but not limited to Black student organizations, Graduate Opportunities and Minority Achievement Program GO-MAP, Brotherhood Initiative, Sisterhood Initiative and the Women’s Center.
In Community
The Whole U at the UW has put together a list of events happening virtually, on campus and in the Puget Sound region to celebrate Black History Month throughout February! They include:
- Black History Month Research and Writing Workshops | February 15, 2023, 3 – 6 pm
The Northwest African American Museum is partnering with UW Libraries’ Special Collections to offer a Research and Writing Workshops in February for Black History Month. The Research and Writing Workshops will be held in person on February 15, 2023 at the UW Special Collections Classrooms. - Northwest African American Museum Keynote Program | Thursday, February 16, 2023, 6 – 7:30 pm
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month. NAAM will hold an in-person riveting conversation with Dr. Damion Thomas, Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture Curator of Sports. Be inspired, informed, and ignited for action. - A Proud Heritage: An African American Family History Event | February 25, 2023, 9 am – 2 pm, Tacoma Family History Center
For African Americans, finding your ancestors can be especially challenging. To celebrate Black History Month, the Tacoma Family History Center is hosting a FREE genealogy workshop designed specifically for individuals with African American ancestry.
…and many more!