A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture is the 2015 Black History Month Theme. This theme honors the profound importance of efforts by organizations and institutions towards the recognition of African American contributions to American history and culture. And in particular, the 2015 theme recognizes and honors the 100-year anniversary of the founding of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the founding organization of Black History Month. Established by Dr. Garter G. Woodson in 1915, it is dedicated to the historical truth of the African American experience. In 1916 Woodson - who is commonly known as 'the father of Black history' - began publication of The Journal of Negro History (now known as The Journal of African American History), which is the leading scholarly source on African American life and history. Come peruse the Library display!
And, we find this an interesting and thought-provoiking addendum:
The idea of a theme for each Black History Month is discussed by Daryl M. Scott from the ASALH: "When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926, he realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of the public. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis. For those interested in the study of identity and ideology, an exploration of ASALH’s [past] Black History themes is itself instructive. Over the years, the themes reflect changes in how people of African descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the black community."
