Dear team,

Our team at Catholic Charities is made up of a multitude of beautiful perspectives and cultures. To explore all that makes us who we are, we hope this email provides space to learn and connect. Continue reading to explore Black History Month!
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent Black leaders. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.  
"There is no American history without African American history," said Sara Clarke Kaplan, executive director of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University in Washington, D.C. The Black experience, she said, is embedded in "everything we think of as 'American history.' " 

February was chosen primarily because the second week of the month coincides with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln was influential in the emancipation of slaves, and Douglass, a former slave, was a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement, which fought to end slavery. 
Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. President Biden has designated the Black History Month 2023 theme, “Black Resistance." This theme endeavors to explore how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially racially motivated acts of violence since the nation's earliest days. 

Black Americans’ resistance to racial inequality has deep roots in U.S. history and has taken many forms – from slave rebellions during the colonial era and through the Civil War to protest movements in the 1950s, 1960s, and today. Black Americans have persevered to build institutions to nourish their communities such as churches, colleges and universities, printing presses, and fraternal organizations.  
These movements and institutions have stressed the importance of freedom, self-determination, and equal protection under the law. Black Americans have long articulated a clear vision for the kind of social change that would improve their lives. Here are key findings from Pew Research Center surveys that explore Black Americans’ views about how to overcome racial inequality. 

We should consider these achievements in our lives every day. In the words of President Barack Obama, “Black History Month shouldn't be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history or somehow just boiled down to a compilation of greatest hits from the March on Washington or from some of our sports heroes. It's about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America."
Upcoming events honoring Black History Month
Want to learn more? There are numerous ways to go further to connect with our community this month! The DEI Committee gathered a few suggested opportunities. Looking for ideas to celebrate diversity and nourish the spirit? Consider joining in with your team members!

Click the buttons below to discover what is nearby. Are there other events or businesses you would like the team to know about? Simply respond to this email to make a suggestion! A follow-up email will be distributed.
You can support Black-owned business in our region!
Celebrate Black History Month - with music!

Click the image below to listen to our agency's YouTube playlist celebrating Black musical excellence! What songs would you like to add? Respond directly to this email with your suggestions!
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