Greetings CMGMH Friends & Colleagues!
February 2021, as with all Februarys since the 1970s, is dedicated to the celebration of the achievements made by Black Americans and a time to reflect on the central roles of African Americans in U.S. history. For many, however, this Black History Month holds special meaning after a difficult year marked by multiple pandemics that have affected Black communities throughout the nation. From the high infection rates of COVID-19 to increased social unrest, racial injustices, and a deadly insurrection at our nation's capitol, these events revealed once again the stark inequalities that persist between black and white Americans.
Black history is American history and yet it is often ignored outside of the month of February within institutions across the country. I, along with many colleagues and allies, hope that Black history will soon breakout of a single month of the year and find its prominent place within history books despite centuries of white-washed literature. This month is one for Black and African Americans to celebrate their rich cultural traditions and ancestry, and a time for increased awareness and self-driven learning on the part of White Americans who have found themselves, willfully or not, ignorant on the topic.
Each year, a special theme is selected for Black History Month to focus the nation's attention on issues that are relevant to the Black experience. The February 2021's theme is The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. I encourage you to take a look at the resources listed below as well as other learning materials and scheduled events hosted by schools and institutions across the country, as we begin our virtual, socially distant, celebrations. Happy Black History Month!
All the Best,
Rebekah Drew
CMGMH Program Coordinator
AmeriCorps VISTA Member
