This month is one of celebration, recognition, and awareness. It’s an annual observance of achievements by Black individuals and a time to recognize their central role in U.S. history. Noted historian Carter G. Woodson started “Negro History Week,” which grew into Black History Month. In 1976, President Gerald Ford declared Black History Month a nationwide awareness initiative on both the fiftieth anniversary of the first Negro History Week and the bicentennial of the United States. Ford announced, “We need to seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
For this important month, NAZ CEO and President Sondra Samuels talked about what Black History Month means to her and why wisdom from the legendary James Baldwin resonates during this time. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate the unlimited promise of the Northside - we have a long road to travel to obtain equity, but with the help of our partners and our community, we can see the markers clearly.