February is African American History Month

  • Published
  • By Capt. Yolanda Obey
  • African American Heritage Month Committee
Throughout February, observances and activities will be held to commemorate African American History Month and to celebrate the 2015 national theme, "A Century of Black Life, History and Culture."

The purpose for the month-long event is to carry out activities that recognize the contributions African Americans have made to society.

In 1915 Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American author and scholar, established the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in response to the lack of information relating to the accomplishments of African Americans, according to the organization's website at www.asalh100.org.

When he established the association a century ago, he believed that historical facts would negate falsehoods and foster a new era of equality, opportunity and racial democracy. 
Woodson conceived a week-long observance that was known as "Negro History Week" and was first celebrated in 1926.

He chose a week in February because two key figures in African American history, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, had birthdays during the month, according to the Library of Congress website. 

Fifty years later in 1976, the week became a month-long celebration and is now known as African American History Month.  

The African American Heritage Month committee will host events throughout February to bring awareness of African American history and to celebrate ASALH's centennial.

Calendar of events:

Feb 7:  The African American History Month committee is scheduled to visit Boston's Museum of African American History at 1 p.m. and everyone is invited to attend. Those interested will meet at the museum at 12:45 p.m. General admission is $5 per person. For children ages 13 to 17 and seniors 62 and up, admission is $3 per person. Children age 12 and under are free. The museum address is: 46 Joy Street, Beacon Hill, Boston. Parking is free at the Charles River Garage, Lower Level; however, parking tickets must be validated at the museum before departing.

Feb 10:  A free showing of the movie '42' is scheduled at the base theater at 3 p.m.

Feb 12:  A "Soul Food" tasting event is scheduled at the base chapel from 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. 

Feb 20:    The Lexington-Concord Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association's Diversity Committee-sponsored African American History Month luncheon is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. at the Minuteman Commons. Robert Curbeam, Jr., Raytheon vice president of Mission Assurance, will serve as the guest speaker. Curbeam is a former Navy pilot and NASA astronaut with more than 3,000 flight hours in 25 different aircraft and spacecraft.

Feb 22:  Gospel Fest is scheduled at the base chapel from 3 to 5:30 p.m. This free event will feature a soloist and choir performance. Food will be provided after the event.

Feb 25:  A free showing of 'Lee Daniels the Butler' is scheduled at the base theater at 3 p.m.

For further information on AAHM or any of the events scheduled, contact Capt. Yolanda Obey at 781-225-9483.