Black History Month is celebrated annually in the United States from February 1 to February 28. Black History Month was originally conceived as a week by historian, Carter G. Woodson, in 1926 and officially designated as a month in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. Black History Month is a time to recognize, celebrate, and honor the contributions, achievements, and legacy of Blacks/African Americans in the US.
Equally important, this is a time to raise awareness about the experiences and needs of Blacks/ African Americans. Other countries around the world, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Canada, and the United Kingdom, participate in annual observances of Black history. While Black History Month is celebrated in the month of February, Black History is an ongoing development advanced throughout the African diaspora every day.
Among the notable figures often spotlighted during Black History Month are Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fought for equal rights for Blacks during the 1950s and ’60s; Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American justice appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1967; Mae Jemison, who became the first female African-American astronaut to travel to space in 1992; and Barack Obama, who was elected the first-ever African-American president of the United States in 2008.
Standing left to right are Georgia Faye Hoodye and Mabeleen Washington Wozniak, while seated are Dana Jean Smith and Gloria Odoms. Along with Helen Jackson (not pictured), these five women made history as the first Black students to enroll at Southwest Texas State University.
Courtesy of Texas State University
The University Star presents “The 11% Project”, an examination of Black students at Texas State through History, Election, Hometowns, Activism, Creatives, Mentorship and 10 years from now.
The ‘60s started it all. From the first five Black women integrating in 1963, through Johnny E. Brown becoming the first Black student-athlete, to the formation of UMOJA (meaning unity in Swahili), the first Black organization on campus, the decade was a time when Black students laid the groundwork."
UPDATE: February 23, 2022
5:00 PM - March begins at Old Main
5:30 PM - Program at Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
Texas State University
6:30 PM - Reception at Performing Arts Center Lobby
Event was originally planned for January 18th, but postponed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Event details provided below.
The purpose of the scholarship shall be to provide financial support to students enrolled at Texas State University to demonstrate commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) in supporting African American/Black students. Preference for an African American/Black male student(s) exhibiting leadership, commitment to public service and a desire to make a difference in their community.
Scholarship is awarded by Center for Diversity and Gender Studies with the generous support of Cecil and Sandra Mayo.
Earl Moseley, Jr. was a Southwestern University graduate that arrived at Texas State (then Southwest Texas State) in 1985. During his tenure, he mentored a great number of students and was instrumental in their development. Earl left us far too soon in 2010 and Texas State created a scholarship in his name.
Scholarship is awarded by the Coalition of Black Faculty & Staff and with the support of Texas State Black Alumni Network.
The purpose is to support students and organizations with a preference for African American students and organizations in need of additional funding.
Historically, Black students are underrepresented at Texas State. In the last 10 years, Black student enrollment has increased from 6% to peaking just over 11%. That’s just over 4,000 Black students out of nearly all 38,000 students. The crowdfunding campaign will assist and support students.
Sign up today to join our Canvas site. This will allow you to stay updated on #BLKTXST events, programs, and service opportunities and connected with students, faculty, and staff at Texas State University.
Learn more about registered and chartered organizations including historically Black Greek-lettered organizations and scholarship opportunities.
The Calaboose Museum serves as a home for African American history and culture in San Marcos and Hays County. Through preservation, events, and education, the museum strives to serve as not only an African American history museum but a center of support for the San Marcos community.
Website:
https://www.calaboosemuseum.org/
Location:
200 W. Martin Luther King Drive
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Hours:
Saturday 10 am to 3 pm
(and by appointment)
Contact:
512.393.8421
info@calaboosemuseum.org
The Cephas House is located in the Dunbar neighborhood, the birthplace of jazz and swing and the neighborhood to San Marcos’ first African American residents. The house is named after Ulysses S. Cephas was a blacksmith and community leader at the turn of the 20th Century.
Website:
https://sanmarcostx.gov/facilities/facility/details/eddiedurhampark-61
Location:
213 W. Martin Luther King Drive
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Formerly Dunbar School, a public school for Black children since 1847 and moving to this location in 1918, and named after Paul Laurence Dunbar. The Dunbar Recreation Center and Park provide space for events and recreation including cultural preservation events held by The Dunbar Heritage Association.
Website:
https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Dunbar-Recreation-Center-21
Location:
801 W. MLK Drive
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Hours:
Recreation Center Hours Vary - Contact City of San Marcos
Park Hours - 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Contact:
512-393-8400
Dunbar Heritage Association
Website | PO Box 1848, San Marcos, TX 78667
737-999-0403 | dhasmtx@gmail.com
Learn Black history in 5 minutes a day. Subscribe for a free, daily email series to celebrate Black History Month this February.
Resource courtesy of: Anti-Racism Daily.
