s FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com FEBRUARY 7, 2013 • THE QUEENS COURIER 45 s black history How Black History Month Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans, and a time to recognize their pivotal role in history. This celebration, however, began as only a week. In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson, along with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, announced that the second week in February would be deemed “Negro History Week,” chosen because it marked the birthday of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The history week is said to have been met with enthusiastic response, and it prompted the creation of clubs and interest from schools. The week grew in popularity, and many political fi gures recognized it as a national holiday. In 1969, Kent State University fi rst expanded the week into a month. In 1976, the federal government acknowledged the expansion, offi cially deeming February as Black History Month. Black History Month was fi rst celebrated in the United Kingdom in 1987, and since its establishment, every U.S. president has offi cially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Throughout the following decades, the House and the Senate have too begun to offi cially recognize the celebration. Now, schools across the country adopt lessons of black history into their curriculum during the month of February, and celebrations are held all over the world. came to be Event honors the past fetes a bright future Each year, Councilmember Leroy Comrie holds an Comrie was joined by various public offi cials and event in honor of the start of Black History Month, community leaders at the Saturday, February 2 celebration and this year proved to be both special and historic. at Queensborough Community College. “This has been a historic time for people of color,” Comptroller John C. Liu, Manhattan Borough said Comrie. “Having just witnessed President Barack President Scott M. Stringer, Councilmember Ruben Obama’s second inauguration, we must take this time Wills and former Comptroller Bill Thompson spoke to refl ect on where we came from, envision where at the event. we are headed and celebrate those who sacrifi ced so Performances by entertainers such as Crystal Smith, much.” the Edge School of Arts Dance Troupe, students from P.S. 176, the St. Albans Baptist Church Dancers and more took place, as well as a keynote address by WBLS radio personality Bob Slade. “We should not only remember leaders for what they accomplished, but also understand that they did not wait for anyone else to help them,” said Comrie. “Instead, they took charge and pushed for the change they wanted to see, which is something we must emulate again.” PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF LEROY COMRIE
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