The theme for this week is Activism. Food activism can be seen in many aspects of African American History.
👉🏾When the Transatlantic Slave Trade started, captured Africans braided seeds and grains into their hair to bring their foods with them as a way of survival. Rice, okra, peanuts, benne, watermelon are some examples of seeds and grains that were hidden and brought from their native homeland.
👉🏾During the Jim Crow era, sit-ins were staged at restaurants that would not serve Black people.
👉🏾During the Civil Rights era, secret baking clubs raised money for fund protests; Black restaurants became meeting places for African American entertainers and leaders to plan protests
👉🏾During the 1960’s, Free Breakfast programs were first started by the Black Panthers to feed hungry children in their communities.
References:
https://www.foodandwine.com/news/black-communities-food-as-protest(accessed 2.2.2023)
https://www.bread.org/article/fannie-lou-hamer-pioneer-of-food-justice/(accessed 2.2.2023)
https://face2faceafrica.com/article/how-hair-was-used-to-smuggle-grains-into-the-caribbean-by-african-slaves(accessed 2.2.2023)
Feb/2023 Written and created by: U. R. Taylor, MS, RDN, CDN and Lindsey Brush
đź“· Credit:https://www.dandelionridgefarmky.com
FAQs
On Feb. 7, 1926, Carter G. Woodson, initiated the first celebration of Negro History Week which led to Black History Month, to extend and deepen the study and scholarship on African American history, all year long.
Who extended Black History Month? ›
It wasn't until 1976 that President Gerald Ford extended the observation to a full month - one honoring the contributions of black Americans to this day.
What can I post for Black History Month? ›
Highlight historical facts about Black History Month. Promote local Black History Month community events and activities. Repost news articles relevant to your industry or location highlighting Black history and futures. Share photos of your team celebrating Black History Month.
What is the theme for BHM 2024? ›
2024 | African Americans and the Arts
The theme for Black History Month 2024 focuses on “African Americans and the Arts”. This theme is infused with African, Caribbean, and Black American lived experiences.
Who is considered the father of Black history? ›
GAZETTE: Carter G. Woodson is known as the father of Black history. How did his life inform his development as a teacher, thinker, and scholar?
What president made the change from Black history Week to Black History Month? ›
In 1975, President Ford issued a Message on the Observance of Black History Week urging all Americans to "recognize the important contribution made to our nation's life and culture by black citizens." In 1976, ASALH expanded this commemoration of Black history in the United States from a week-long observance to Black ...
Who are the two founders of Black History Month? ›
Origins of Black History Month
Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent.
What is the theme for Black History Month 2025? ›
The theme, “African Americans and Labor,” intends to encourage broad reflections on intersections between Black people's work and their workplaces in all their iterations and key moments, themes, and events in Black history and culture across time and space and throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora.
What is the black culture in 2024? ›
The 2024 theme “African Americans and the Arts” highlights the influence and innovation of African Americans across all fields of art, including music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature.
What is the Black History Month proclamation for 2024? ›
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring February 2024 as Black History Month. This month, we pay homage to the rich history and contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our state and nation in countless ways through centuries of struggle and triumph.
The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week".
Which president in 1976 extended the week of black history into a month? ›
President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
What was the week long precursor to Black History Month in the United States known as beginning in 1926? ›
The celebration of Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher. It became a month-long celebration in 1976.
What happened on February 7 in Black History? ›
On February 7, 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of African-American history. Revered as “The Father of Black History,” Woodson designated the second week of February for this observance.
