In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH), created Negro History Week to highlight the invaluable contributions of African Americans. Dr. Woodson selected the week in February that included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, and in 1975, ASALH expanded the celebrations of that week to become what we now know as Black History Month.  As a result, Black History Month is a time set aside for us to collectively honor and celebrate the ever-growing legacy of African Americans within our society, even as we are made soberly aware of our continued struggle against police brutality and the many faces of systemic oppression.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Office of Multicultural Ministries will host a screening and discussion on the PBS Documentary Series, Making Black America: Through the Grapevine. This event will be held on Wednesday, February 22nd at 6pm and will be facilitated by The Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Canon Missioner and Minister of Equity & Inclusion at the Washington National Cathedral. Click HERE to register.

Additionally, on Tuesday, February 14th at 4:30pm, we will host a virtual forum to discuss updates within the Reparations Program. We encourage you to bring all questions, comments, and ideas as we hope to have a fruitful discussion. Click HERE to register.

Each of these events are open to the entire VTS and GTS community. We look forward to you joining us as we take time to honor this important history.

Lastly, as you seek to learn more, you might find this bibliography and list of resources useful, but of course, there are many other educational tools available online that you can consult.

Ebonee Davis
Associate for Programming & Historical Research for Reparations
Office of Multicultural Ministries