By Tameka Bradley Hobbs, Ph.D.
One hundred years ago, in 1926, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson established the first Negro History Week. Woodson chose a date in February that encompassed the birthdays of two individuals who were incredibly significant to Black History — former US President Abraham Lincoln and the renowned abolitionist, orator, and intellectual Frederick Douglass. With this observation on the calendar Woodson intended to ensure that Black history would be studied, celebrated, and passed on—especially to Black children. His vision made space for public recognition of Black contributions to civilization and the continued assertion of Black humanity.
Woodson dedicated his life to ensuring the dissemination of research and writing that documented the full experience of Black people worldwide. This started with his founding of the Association for the Study of Negro (now African American) Life and History, an organization that celebrated its 110th anniversary last September, to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate knowledge about Black life, history, and culture world-wide. ASALH and Negro History Week represent Woodson belief in the need for Black people to control their own historical narrative as a source of inspiration and pride. More importantly, as stated by bibliophile and collector Arturo A. Schomburg, “The American Negro must remake his past in order to make his future.”
Woodson’s vision for Negro History Week was realized through the groundwork laid by Black religious, civic, and fraternal organizations. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, of which Woodson was a member, took the lead in disseminating educational material and holding Black History programs in communities across the nation. Negro History Week also became an important occasion in segregated schools and Black churches, which used the week to foreground stories of Black people of exceptional accomplishment.
Fifty years ago, in 1976, during the bicentennial celebration of the United States, the US Congress designated the entire month of February as “Black History Month.” This legislation represented a significant expansion of Dr. Woodson’s vision for Black history education, not just for Black people but for all.
As we prepare for the observances of the 250th anniversary of the United States this July, it is important that, in the spirit of Dr. Woodson, they we tell the whole truth of the American experiment with democracy and the critical role that Black Americans have played in pushing this nation and its leaders to become the “more perfect Union” referenced in the preamble of the US Constitution. While the liberty promised to Americans in 1776 didn’t become a possibility for most Black Americans until 1865 (and would not become fully tangible for another century), it is impossible to tell the complete story of the United States without acknowledging the persistent efforts of generations of Black Americans to call the nation to the true fulfillment of its democracy promise. These histories are as important, if not more, than they were a century ago.
In reflecting on this critical hallmark for ASALH, it is important to assess the current state of Black history education within the state of Florida. There have been tremendous victories like the passage of Florida Statute 1003.42(2)(h) in 1994, which mandates the teaching of Black history in the state’s public schools. These efforts have suffered with a curriculum update in 2023 that described the experience of enslavement as beneficial to Black people. Earlier that same year, the Florida Department of Education banned the Advanced Placement African American Studies course from its schools. Further, the Florida Commissioner of Education’s African American History Taskforce, established in 1994, has suffered from a series of politicized appointments. Most recently, conservative leaders in the state have undertaken the creation of the proposed museum of Florida’s Black history in St. Augustine, the contents of which are likely to be governed by the “Stop WOKE” principles that been the center governed their agenda since 2022.
Thankfully, the ASALH branches across the state have leaped into action to provide private alternatives for Black history education. The Jacksonville, Manasota, and St. Petersburg branches launched their own “Freedom Schools,” offering free Black history classes to youth in their communities. The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray also offers its own Black history curriculum to students. Broward County’s African American Research Library and Cultural Center in its third year of offering its award-winning Black History Saturday School to families in the area. The latter two institutions are members of the South Florida Branch of ASALH.
Each year, Black History Month continues to offer an opportunity for collective reflection and education. The experiences of Black people have so much to teach the world about the creative spirit of survival in the face of incredible odds. This year, it is clear how very necessary Black History Month is, and that even more effort is needed throughout the year to ensure that Black history and culture is not diminished, erased, or adulterated.
Tameka Bradley Hobbs, Ph.D., is the founding and current president of ASALH South Florida and the Regional Manager for the African Am
