February is Black History Month. Here’s how can you celebrate in Merced County, Valley
The beginning of February marks the start of a month dedicated to honoring the lives and history of Black Americans.
The inspiration for Black History Month began with Carter G. Woodson, a son of former slaves, Harvard-trained intellectual, historian and author who in 1925 started Negro History Week, according to the website BlackHistoryMonth.gov.
He envisioned it as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Black Americans to the foundations of the nation, and their triumphs over centuries of oppression.
Woodson’s inspiration blossomed into Black History Month, which was first officially recognized in 1976. Back then, President Gerald R. Ford expanded the previously week-long celebration, which also encompassed the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.
Ford at the time called on the country to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Ever since, the month of February has put a much-needed spotlight on African American history. “It’s an important month for the entire country, simply because Black history is American history,” said NAACP Merced County Branch President Allen Brooks.
“It’s the only month we’re able to shine, in a historic manner. The history of Blacks is a history of America.”
Mercedians this month can celebrate and learn about Black history through several community happenings throughout February. Here’s some of the events coming up:
Events at the MAC
The Multicultural Arts Center (MAC), in collaboration with the local NAACP, is featuring an exhibit nearly all month long that’s at the heart of Black History Month.
Themed “Equality and Justice for All,” the exhibit spans from the main gallery to the second-floor mezzanine. A free reception is scheduled for Feb. 19 from 4-6 p.m.
Work by artists Chavella Dobbins, TC the Diva and Eddie O. Rodriguez will be featured. Community art projects can be contributed to the MAC throughout February for display in the skylight gallery.
Trip to Allensworth
The local NAACP branch is sponsoring an Amtrak Train ride down south to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for a day of festivities on Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The state park encompasses Allensworth – the only town that was established, financed, built and governed by African Americans in California in the early 20th century.
Founded in 1908 by Lt. Col. Allen Allensworth and a group of his friends near present-day Earlimart, the town thrived for many years.
The historic town will also be home to a celebration honoring the life of Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month. Festivities will include a live band, food, craft and retail booths, raffle prizes and special presentations. Information about registering for the Amtrak ride will be available on the NAACP Merced County website.
Merced College events
Closer to home, Merced College has a calendar full of events geared at Black History Month.
The college on Feb. 8 is holding a webinar on how to prepare a personal statement when applying to a historically Black college or university (HBCU).
On Feb. 9, another webinar will review how to transfer from a community college to a HBCU. The sessions will be presented via Zoom.
Two Black history presentations will be given on Feb. 15 and 17 in Merced College’s Student Union Building, room 140, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A showing of “Red Tails,” a film about about the African-American Tuskegee Airmen who served in the U.S. Air Force during II, will be screened in room 140 of the Student Union Building at 1 p.m. on Feb 23.
“Glory,” a movie about the Union Army’s first African-American regiment during the Civil War, will play Feb. 28 in the same room at 11 a.m.
This story was originally published February 5, 2022 at 6:11 AM.
