2023 Black History Month- How will you celebrate and reflect?
Each year the Association for the study of African American Life and History,(ASALH), chooses the theme for Black History Month.
When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926, he realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of the public. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.
For those interested in the study of identity and ideology, an exploration of ASALH’s Black History themes is itself instructive. Over the years, the themes reflect changes in how people of African descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the black community.
The changes notwithstanding, the list reveals an overarching continuity in ASALH–our dedication to exploring historical issues of importance to people of African descent and race relations in America.
For more information please visit their website:
https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/
Programs offered this month:
- “Dr. Daisy Century Presents Sojourner Truth” on February 27 at 6:45 PM. https://ccls.libcal.com/calendar/Phoenixville/sojourner-truth This is for adults and families (joint youth and adult program).
- On February 13 at 6:15 PM, historian Jim Segrave-Daly will lecture on “Abraham Lincoln, Slavery & the Civil War”. https://ccls.libcal.com/calendar/Phoenixville/lincoln-slavery
Films offered this month:
- Feb 16 – Author, Historian, and Pop Culture expert Caseen Gaines will discuss his book, When Broadway Was Black, at a Classic film screening of Stormy Weather (1943) starring Lena Horne. This event is presented by Reads & Company. I can send images if you need something for social or email. https://thecolonialtheatre.com/films/classic-films/stormy-weather-1943-with-author-caseen-gaines/
- Feb 19 – The World, The Flesh and Devil starring Harry Belafonte screens at 1:30 PM.https://thecolonialtheatre.com/films/classic-films/the-world-the-flesh-and-the-devil/
- Feb 25 – Ghost in the House, a new feature-length documentary about the life and times of Jack Johnson, premieres. Cast, crew, and composers will be on-hand for a Q&A. https://thecolonialtheatre.com/films/guest-presentations/ghost-in-the-house/
Zoom in each month to watch a video about a social justice topic and engage in a lively discussion with your peers.
Join us and help envision a more equitable community where all can flourish, now and forever.
Zoom in at noon
February 14, 2023 –
The real story of Rosa Parks and why we need to confront myths about Black history
March 7, 2023 – Food Access
April 18, 2023 – Environmental Justice
May 16, 2023 – Healthcare
June 13, 2023 – Juneteenth
Register at link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZApcuGsqz8sHdNIDFAYe4kCjFMvu_uEzuUj
2023 National Theme: Black Resistance
“The Black History Month Committee appreciates the opportunity and responsibility to extend our reach, while welcoming back guests over the past 17 years. A more objective historical education for all, is as important as providing it with thoughtfulness, fairness, and integrity. Sharing the whole experience, rather than simply what is comfortable, helps to respect the point of view of those who lived and died from this past and present existence.
Resistance is defined as: “the refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument”
To register please follow this link to website:
https://www.montcopa.org/3683/Black-History-Month