In 1976, Black History Month was created by President Ford.
The idea of Black History Month was to celebrate and commemorate African Americans and their contributions throughout American history.
“We can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history,” said President Ford on Feb. 10, 1976.
To commemorate African American history, Delta College has five upcoming events for Black History Month in February.
Every event is free for anyone who wants to commemorate and celebrate African American history.
Two online events are presented by the Black Faculty Force Task (BFFT) and the Ethnic Studies Department of Delta College.
The first of the events is the 2023 Sankofa Series, narrated by Delta ethnic studies professor Dr. Malika Hollinside.
The YouTube weekly series offers short educational videos about African American history from art, literature, and music. The playlist can be accessed at bit.ly/sankofaseries23.
Recent posted videos consist of the Black National Anthem, Black Theater: 200 Years of Magic, and Afrofuturism: Black to the Future.
The second event is the Black History: Films/Videos which are educational recommendations for students on Black activism, history, culture, and Black liberation.
The films include Netflix’s “13th,” “Amend: The Fight for America,” “Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World,” “Enslaved,” “Hidden 5: The Art of Black Warfare” and “Talking Black in America.”
There is also a lecture series on African Resistance hosted by Chigozie Enwere, Ph.D., on Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Black History Month Talent Show will be held at the Tillie Lewis Theater on Feb. 23 from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
The Black Student Union will also host Black Business Unite at the Dolores Huerta Plaza on Feb. 25 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
