The Origin of African American History Month
The African American History month website (sponsored by 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) details how this celebration came to be. Carter G. Woodson, a historian, wanted the truth to be accepted and that this would "prevail over prejudice." His goals to inform Americans about the contributions and struggles African Americans faced led him to found the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which was revealed during Negro History Week in February of 1925, according to the website. By 1950, Negro History Week was a key part of African American life. This was followed by an increasing knowledge of black history and the Civil Rights movement. Hence, President Ford's decision to expand Negro History Week to African American History month.
Library of Congress's Digital Collections
The Library of Congress has published multiple special collections surrounding African Americans to the National Digital Library. Their special collection, The African American Odyssey: A Quest for Full Citizenship, presents hundreds of items about the quest for equality. It includes the work of abolitionists, the Civil War, and the work done by black leaders in the fight against racism. The Library has multiple digital collections, including the Frederick Douglass Papers. Similar to the Presidential Papers, this collection holds the abolitionist's diary, speeches, financial papers, and much more.
National Archives on African American Heritage
The National Archives holds materials that document the Black Experience. It includes public exhibits, blogs, and other featured records. A subject portal the Archives holds is about World War I. When the United States declared war on Germany, African Americans were encouraged to enlist. They had to serve in segregated units and "did not get to see combat and were relegated to supportive roles." There were a few that did fight on the frontlines, though. The 369th Infantry Regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters, was the most awarded unit. Although they served their country with pride, they came back home to continue experiencing racial oppression. The portal continues with more information about Black life during this era. Other portals include voting rights and the Black Power movement.
African American History Month Official Website
According to the website, the web portal is a project by the Library of Congress, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and multiple more. The website holds a variety of exhibits from African American educators to culture and folklife. The list of exhibits includes resource guides about many topics. The website also has resources for teachers to teach the history of African Americans.
More Resources
African American History Month
The official website includes multiple resources that were not yet mentioned. It includes event highlights, photos, collections, videos, and much more.
The Library of Congress has resources available for to African American History Month. The other collections include Slaves and the Courts and the African American Pamphlet Collection.
The National Archives has subject portals and other recourses and records. It includes a guide to Black history, images from the March on Washington, and records on President Barack Obama.
The Edmon Low Library has information on multiple topics about Black history. In its collection, it includes resources about the Tulsa Race Riot and other moments in history. Search the online catalog for more information.
~ Nadia
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