The arrival of March 1st means that Black History Month has concluded and Women’s History Month has launched. With this transition in mind, the Da Vinci High School Black Student Union (BSU) would like to bring attention to these two important opportunities to recognize these two groups. Below is a write up from DVHS Junior, Yanni Lowry, about the origins and importance of Black History Month and a write up from DVHS Junior Karina Li about the origins and importance of Women’s History Month. Each write up includes original art work done by members of the BSU. The collage of images on the left are drafts of potential logos for the DVHS BSU. The BSU plans to finalize and present a public logo by the end of March.
Black History Month has been celebrated since the beginning of the 19th century starting in 1926 because of Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. At first it was called “Negro History Week” and was only on the second week of February. Black History month was first introduced by black educators at Kent State University in February of 1969. I believe the study of Black History helps eradicate biases against African American people. The study of blacks also educates people about our culture, family values, past and present lives, please continue to acknowledge and study Black history forever.
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions women have made and the amazing achievements of women across many fields. Starting as Women's History Week in 1981, it was expanded to a month after petitioning from the National Women's History Project. This organization was founded in Santa Rosa, California, and continues today as the National Women's History Alliance. Their goal is to teach as many people as possible about women's role in history across many cultural, ethnic, occupational, racial, class, and regional backgrounds. I encourage you to name as many admirable women from history as you can, and if your list is short, take a look here at the NWHP Honorees of the Past 40 years.
This is a portrait of Marsha P. Johnson, an amazing woman who fought for the civil rights of many marginalized communities. She is remembered and admired as a trans woman of color in the 20th century, and someone who dedicated her life to change. (Painting by DVHS Junior Karina Li).