Black History Month

Welcome to Cypress Library's Black History Month research guide. This guide highlights the books and resources the library offers in connection with Black History.

"Known as the 'Father of Black History,' [Carter G.] Woodson (1875-1950) was the son of former slaves, and understood how important gaining a proper education is when striving to secure and make the most out of one’s divine right of freedom. Although he did not begin his formal education until he was [almost] 20 years old, his dedication to study enabled him to earn a high school diploma in West Virginia and bachelor and master’s degrees from the University of Chicago in just a few years. In 1912, Woodson became the second African American to earn a PhD at Harvard University.

"Recognizing the dearth of information on the accomplishments of blacks in 1915, Dr. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

"In 1926, Dr. Woodson initiated the celebration of Negro History Week [in 1926], which corresponded with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, this celebration was expanded to include the entire month of February, and today Black History Month garners support throughout the country as people of all ethnic and social backgrounds discuss the black experience."

"Our History." Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Accessed 29 Jan. 2019. asalh.org/about-us/our-history/

"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."

This year 2024 - African Americans and the Arts

For Past Themes, visit the Association for the Study of African American Life and History website.

"Black History Themes." Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Accessed 29 Jan. 2019. asalh.org/black-history-themes/