February is Black History Month! This annual recognition can be traced back to the efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson to increase awareness and understanding of Black history and the achievements of Black Americans.

An author, scholar, and historian, Dr. Woodson was a University of Chicago graduate and earned a doctorate from Harvard University. In 1915, after attending a hugely popular national 50th anniversary emancipation celebration in Illinois, he became one of the founders of an organization now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Black History Month grew out of a week-long celebration that took place during Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays.*

President Ford encouraged national recognition activities through his Message on the Observance of Black History Week in 1975. A decade later, the US Congress formally established February 1986 as Black (African American) History Month through Public Law 99-244. Subsequent US Presidents along with the US Congress and Senate have carried on the recognition of Black History Month through proclamations and resolutions.*

References:
*Scott, Daryl Michael. “Origins of Black History Month.” Asalh.Org, asalh.org/about-us/about-black-history-month/. Accessed 31 Jan. 2024.
“Black History Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide.” Library of Congress, guides.loc.gov/black-history-month-legal-resources/history-and-overview. Accessed 31 Jan. 2024.

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Stop in throughout February to see NOPL’s book displays featuring Black authors:

NOPL Brewerton
Adult, Teen (YA), & Children’s Book Displays

NOPL Cicero
Adult, Teen (YA) Book Display

NOPL North Syracuse
Adult, Teen (YA), and Children’s Book displays

Also, Drop-In Crafts at NOPL North Syracuse on Feb. 20 will feature a Black American inventors theme.

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Some Selections from the NOPL Collection

Our NOPL staff members provided a selection of recommended books by Black authors plus movies by Black directors that you can borrow from NOPL. You’ll find many more in the OCPL catalog too!

Books for Adults by Black Authors

Books for Children by Black Authors

Movies Written & Directed by Black Creatives