Black History Month

TRADITIONS
If your high-school textbooks breezed through Black History Month with brief references to the Civil Rights Movement, use this time to more fully embrace the customs and contributions of African-Americans. Throughout February, the U.S., Canada and the U.K. recognize blacks in history with lectures, concerts and special exhibits held at various cultural institutions.

ORIGINS
The month-long focus was once a seven-day affair called Negro History Week, founded by historian and U. of C. alum Carter G. Woodson in 1926. Woodson chose the second week of February to highlight Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both with birthdays this month. During the 1976 bicentennial week, the name was officially changed to Black History Month.

PARTY!

We say don’t waste your time debating the celebration’s relevance in today’s “integrated” society. Instead, soak up as much knowledge as possible and have fun while doing so. The Chicago Park District’s Umoja Celebration features African dance entertainment and spoken word, plus a market with food, jewelry and clothing vendors (Homan Square, 3559 W Arthington St, 312-746-6650; Sat 20, 10am–5pm, free). Get a tour of Harold Washington Library Center’s art department, which features works by African-Americans Jacob Lawrence, Richard Hunt and Faith Ringgold. (Meet on the first floor of the Harold Washington Library, 400 S State St; 312-747-4300; Tue 23 at 2pm, free.) Watch Sonia Sanchez, Angela R. Jackson and Carolyn Rodgers address their roles as black female poets during the 1960s in a reading at the DuSable Museum of African American History (740 E 56th Pl, 773-947-0600; Wed 24 at 10:30am, 7pm; $5–$10).

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