Feb Medley |
The following is the February Medley Moment written by Christopher Nacci and Kristen Willie:
February is African-American History Month!
African-American History month began as Negro History Week.
• It was started in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, the "father of Black history.”
• Woodson envisioned a weeklong celebration to encourage the coordinated teaching of Black history in public schools.
• He designated the second week of February as Negro History Week to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas.
• President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
To commemorate this month, I have attached articles about George Washington Carver and Thomas Monroe Campbell. Campbell was a protégé of Carver’s who used his expertise to assist African American farmers through a long and distinguished career with the USDA.
https://www.biography.com/scientists/george-washington-carver
https://www.usda.gov/oascr/carver
https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/blogs/extension-pioneer-thomas-monroe-campbell