“Black Resistance” in 2023
February is African-American History Month and celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country’s history. February was chosen primarily because the second week of the month coincides with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln was influential in the emancipation of slaves, and Douglass, a former slave, was a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement, which fought to end slavery. This year’s African American History Month theme, “Black Resistance,” explores how “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, since the nation’s earliest days. Read more about the history of this theme and African American History month at asalh.org.
Other notable celebrations in the month of February include…
Valentine’s Day, February 14th
President’s Day, February 20th
Mardi Gras, February 21st
The name February is from the Latin word Februa, “to cleanse.” The Roman calendar month of Februarius was named for Februalia, a festival of purification and atonement that took place during this period.
Learn more about the history of previous months here.
