OVERVIEW:
Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month in the United States, is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the achievements, struggles, and central roles of people of African descent throughout history and in the present day.
While observed annually in February in the U.S. and Canada, the goal of Black History Month is to inspire continuous engagement with Black history, recognizing that these stories are essential for social transformation and building a more equitable society. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) continues to set an annual theme to guide the focus of the month's celebrations.
ROLES:
Graphic & Visual Design
Print Design
Illustration
INSIGHT:
Black History Month originated in 1926 as "Negro History Week," founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson to address the systemic omission of Black contributions from American history. Woodson strategically selected the second week of February to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, challenging the public to expand their celebration from these two figures to the full, diverse scope of the Black past.
Driven by the Civil Rights Movement, the observance evolved from a week to a month, first proposed at Kent State University in 1970. In 1976, during the U.S. Bicentennial, President Gerald Ford officially institutionalized Black History Month, urging the nation to honor the long-neglected accomplishments of Black Americans across every field of endeavor.
The core purpose of Black History Month was to is to ensure that the rich, complex history of Black communities—which is integral to the history of the nation and the world—is recognized and studied. It serves as a vital reminder to:
OBJECTIVE:
To honor the myriad accomplishments, pivotal events, and enduring endeavors of African Americans across every era of U.S. history, the creative staff within the agency, organized a collaborative art and design event celebrating Black History Month. This initiative served as a diversified creative outlet for each creative to express their emotional and intellectual connection to those recognized as true pioneers in this country.
With a shared goal of acknowledging these contributions, the mediums of choice included artwork, illustration, poetry, typography, mixed media, and photography, to successfully foster a culture of reflection, appreciation, and shared history.
RESULTS:
Celebrate Achievements:
Highlight the immense contributions of Black figures in science, arts, literature, politics, civil rights, and all other fields.
Acknowledge the Struggle:
Reflect on the historical adversity, systemic injustices, and ongoing struggles for liberation, equity, and social justice.
Promote Education:
Encourage the teaching and learning of Black history not just in February, but throughout the year, challenging misleading historical narratives and fostering a greater understanding of a shared, accurate history.
