Black History Month

This theme is infused with African, Caribbean, and Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary arts, and other forms of cultural expression, the African-American influence has been paramount.

African-American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory, as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, Hip-Hop, and Afrofuturism have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African-American arts and artisans.

Visit this page on the Association for the Study of African American Life and History website to learn more!

Visit the links below to learn about the origins and history of Black History Month.

James Weldon Joshnson wrote the poem "Lift Every Voice" in 1899 during the Jim Crow Era while he headed the NAACP. The song was first performed in public in 1900 during a celebration of President Lincoln demonstrating Black resilience and depth to who we are as a nation. The song represents a call to action for freedom becoming the Black National Anthem.

Music is an integral part of Black American culture and history. Learn about rap and hip hop as an art form for social justice, and the cultural significance of artists including Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan, the Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Queen Latifah, and Missy Elliott by watching the video below.

HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities!

Did you know that there are two HBCUs in Pennsylvania? Cheyney University and Lincoln University are both located in Chester County, PA. Watch the video below to learn more about HBCUs and what they mean to Black culture.

Did you know there are nine Black Greek letter organizations (BGLO)? Also known as the Divine 9, these sororities and fraternities date back to the early 1900s. Watch the video below to learn more!

The Slave Wrecks Project uses maritime archaeology, historical research and the study of sunken slave ships to take a distinct approach to the study of the transatlantic slave trade. Visit the link below to investigate the wreck of an eighteenth-century slave ship discovered and documented through the efforts of the Slave Wrecks Project.

Visit the links below to learn about George Washington Carver, Shirley Chisholm, Bessie Coleman, and many more!

As far back as the 19th century, Black American women fought for civil rights. They resisted slavery, spoke out against racism, and established women’s clubs to improve conditions for Black people. They worked in politics and journalism, organized black labor, and supported education.

In the 20th century, Black women formed the backbone of the modern Civil Rights Movement and were the critical mass, the grassroots leaders challenging America to embrace justice and equality for all.

Visit the link below to explore the "Standing up for Change: African American Women and the Civil Rights Movement" exhibit today!

Black History Month may only last a month, but we encourage you to continue to celebrate Black and African Americans and their contributions to society all throughout the year! Neighborhoods, museums, events, and more provide opportunities to learn and pay homage year-round.

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