Black History Month
United Catholic Youth Ministries celebrates Black History Month and honors the history of our Black siblings in Christ. History can often be told from the standpoint of the "winners" or those who are, and were, in positions of power while ignoring the experience of those who were abused, neglected, and mistreated by the power structure at the time. Black History Month reminds us of that history and persistence of Black people and that we still have a long way to go to truly uphold the dignity of the human person in our world, country, cities, communities, and church.
What is Black History Month?
"Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African 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 African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history." (Source)
Reflections
Black History IconsClaudette Colvin
Robert Sengstacke Abbott Shirley Chisholm Johnson H. Johnson Dorothy Height Don Cornelius Alice Coachman Maria P. Williams Ethel Waters Bayard Rustin Ruby Bridges Gordon Parks Madam C.J. Walker Annie Turnbo Malone Alvin Ailey Ella Baker Mae Jemison Sister Rosetta Tharpe Max Robinson Dr. Patricia Bath Ethel L. Payne Fritz Pollard Maya Angelou Henrietta Lacks Wally Amos Ida B. Wells Jesse Owens Bessie Coleman Rebecca Lee Crumpler Marsha P. Johnson Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Malcolm X |
Black Catholic Historical IconsOur Lady of Kibeho
Saint Charles Lwanga Saint Felicity and Perpetua Saint Josephine Bakhita Saint Martin de Porres Saint Maurice Saint Moses the Black Servant of God Thea Bowman Venerable Augustus Tolton |
