Dr. Carter G. Woodson
Photo Courtesy Of The Library Of Congress
This year marks 110 years since the establishment of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). It was founded by author and historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson on Sept. 9, 1915.
Woodson began by promoting Negro History Week in February. He chose the month because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two significant figures for the Black community.
In 1976, it evolved into a monthlong celebration when President Gerald Ford officially declared February as Black History Month.
This year’s theme is African Americans and Labor. Cities across the country celebrate the day with parades, walks, seminars and other events. Locally, highlights include the City of Lauderdale Lakes’ 17th Annual Black History Month Parade and Festival on Feb. 1. It will begin at Boyd H. Anderson High School, wind its way through the heart of the city and end at Vincent Torres Park.
The Historical Society of Palm Beach County will highlight the Highwaymen artists with an exhibit and host a live painting event by one of the original Highwaymen, Robert L. Lewis, at the Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum. These segregation-era Florida artists earned their name by selling art by the roadside.
Visit asalh.org