February marks the annual celebration for Black History Month and there are several ways the community can honor the tradition.
The story of Black History Month began in 1915. That is when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. In an effort to recognize the contributions Black citizens made on our country, he created Negro History Week in 1926. In 1986 Congress officially made it Black History Month.
There are several ways to celebrate the month. That includes supporting a Black-owned business, educate oneself about Black history and culture, or attend/support a local event. Here are some events happening across the area:
Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum Black History Month Flag Raising – 2/1 at 10 a.m. – St. Pete City Hall
An Evening in Celebrating Frederick Douglas – 2/7 at 6:30 p.m. – Tampa Theater
UNCF Black History Month Walk for Education and HBCU Festival – 2/10 at 8 a.m. – Perry Harvey Park
Black History Month Reception – 2/23 at 5:30 p.m. – Tampa Bay History Center
February ArtWalk – 2/10 at 5 p.m. – Creative Clay
Collard Green Festival – 2/17 at 9 a.m. – Woodson African American Museum
Jackson Park Black History Festival – 2/1 at 10 a.m. – Jackson Park
Please join News Channel 8 as we honor Black History with our Honoring Black History: Rooted in Progress Town Hall. This special will discuss the continuous fight to equality by looking through the lens of past, present and future issues plaguing the Black community.
The special airs February 17th at 7 p.m. on News Channel 8 and February 18th at 11 p.m. on the CW Tampa Bay.