During the month of February, communities across the nation, including Rice University, will celebrate Black History Month — a month dedicated to recognizing Black history, culture and societal contribution. This nod to the many different backgrounds that comprise the Owl community was celebrated Jan. 31 at the Rice Memorial Center to kick off the university’s series of events in honor of Black History Month.
The history of the month dates back almost a century, and the way it is celebrated and evolved has created its own history.
Black History Month was not always a monthlong celebration. In February 1926, historian and author Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week. It was a weeklong celebration to teach people about African American history and the contributions of Black people.
This effort was made under the umbrella of an organization he founded in September 1915 called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Today, Black History Month is a revered time for reflection, fellowship and progress.
“Black History Month is our time to come together,” said sophomore Daijah Wilson, who is majoring in social sciences. “I am so inspired to go to Rice and be surrounded by so much Black excellence. There are so many Black students doing amazing things in their fields … and I love to see that come out in our culture in this event.”
To find out more about how Rice plans to embrace Black History Month this year, visit rice.edu/bhm.