Don’t you love Black History Month? Although February is the shortest month in days of our calendar year, it is nonetheless a time to pause, respect and relish the fantastic achievements of African American, Black and Caribbean ancestors whose works and lives were largely ignored or never revealed.
That’s where your great genealogy research comes in. This month, hopefully the multitude of U.S. and global Black History Month recognitions, will prompt you to uncover new finds from your family. Tour museums. Visit special sites. Listen to great lectures. Watch broadcasts on public broadcasting and other media channels that provide insight on the lives that were courageously and well lived.
Thanks to the creation of and steadfast lobbying of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, we celebrate Black History Month. Woodson was the second black person to receive a doctorate degree from Harvard University, received two degrees from the University of Chicago, and a bachelor degree in Literature from Berea College. He also studied at the Sorbonne in Paris.
Today, some may shrug our shoulders about Woodson’s academic, literature, social and educational achievements. Yet, pause for a moment and think about when and where and how he accomplished so much after being born to former slaves and in poverty in 1875 to former slaves in Virginia. He worked smart during the era with remnants of the slave codes and other racial threats to his life. Yet, he authored several books, founded major organizations, and although he was never married and had no children, Woodson’s influence is an integral part of Black families around the globe.
Here are a few of the exciting happenings this month to honor Black History, beginning with the Good Genes Genealogy Services workshop:
- Good Genes Genealogy Services is presenting its 3rd annual Sankofa Black Genealogy Workshop in partnership with Hillside International Truth Center. It’s free and you will be encouraged to purchase our workbook. Coming soon!
- Georgia Archives Black History Month activities are full of great events that focus on genealogy, education and history during Feb. 2 – 4, 2023.
- The International African American Museum has a series of virtual meetings every Saturday of February 2023.
- The Leon County (Tallahassee, FL) Library has a great series of Black History Month event. There’s one on Feb. 11, 2023 at 1 p.m. about Black Genealogy 101.
- Charlotte, NC is hosting a huge festival on Feb. 26 2023.
- The National Black Arts Festival is honoring Black theatre during an event in Atlanta on Feb. 26, 2023.
- Berea College is hosting excellent Friday events for folk to learn more about one of its greatest grads, Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
- PBS continues with its video offerings that include Fight the Power and the ongoing series, Finding Your Roots.
- The Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture has hundreds of exhibits — online and in person — that capture the true essence of Black History Month in its yearlong offerings.
Please add your Black History Month events and the Good Genes Genealogy Services team will continue to update the great events throughout the month of February 2023.