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In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson established “Negro History Week,” an event which grew into the month-long celebration we see today. Woodson, the son of former slaves who earned a Ph.D. from Harvard, wanted to establish recognition of the historical achievements and contributions Blacks had made for Americačachievements and contributions that textbooks at the time either underplayed or ignored altogether.

February was chosen as a time to celebrate Black history because both Abraham Lincoln and famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass were born in February. Many other historical events relevant to Black history have also taken place in February, from the passing of the Fifteenth Amendment allowing Black men to vote, to the assassination of Malcolm X.

When Woodson established the holiday, Mann said, he hoped that someday it would not be needed because history would be inclusive enough, but the event has grown from recognition to acknowledgment, to a celebration of the past and future of Black history. This year’s events, therefore, not only celebrate past accomplishments but encourage Black students to embrace their potential leadership.

“Last year we kind of looked back at the past,” Mann said, “so this year, we’re looking forward as well.”

This year’s celebration of Black history has involved a lot of work for Mann. Planning for events started last fall with brainstorming sessions and progressively became more detail oriented. J-Term, Mann said, involved the most legwork and stress, but the rewarding result will be a full schedule.

This year’s events have dramatically increased in number.
“We’ve really expanded the month,” Mann said. “We’ve almost doubled our budget.” At last year’s Pride reunion, Mann said, several people were impressed that Black History Month had developed from a week of events to a full month, and this year’s events should have something for everyone. Events will include a tribute to playwright August Wilson, involving actors from Hamline and the Penumbra Theater, paying homage to jazz icons Dinah Washington and Billie Holliday, and several discussion panels.

Although it has been a very stressful last few months for Mann and her fellow Pride members, it is clear that to her, the hard work has been well worth the effort to bring these events to Hamline. Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Klas Ballroom, there will be a panel discussion of the current issues the “young, gifted, and Black” face in contemporary society. Be on the lookout for many more events.