It was African-American historian, author and journalist Carter G. Woodson who would set the foundation for what would become Black History Month in 1915.
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Woodson and Moorland’s goal was to encourage the teaching of African American history in the nation’s public schools.
Soul food served at cafes
Also in recognition of Black History Month, soul food will be available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nebraska Cafe and Clarkson Cafes today and on Feb. 13.
The menu will include:
- macaroni and cheese;
- fresh sweet potatoes with brown sugar and pecans on top;
- collard greens with smoked turkey;
- green beans with diced potatoes;
- fried catfish;
- corn bread;
- meatloaf; and
- pecan and sweet potato pie.
“Our Sodexo staff is excited to present a soul food menu on campus during Black History Month,” said Tim Holmes, retail general manager. “We’d encourage everyone to stop by, both today and on the 13th, to try this wonderful cuisine and then let our staff know if you’d like to see these items more often.”
In 1926, Woodson and the ASALH launched a “Negro History Week” to bring attention to his mission and help school systems coordinate their focus on the topic. He chose the second week in February to celebrate, as it encompassed both Frederick Douglass’ birthday on Feb. 14 and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on Feb. 12.
It was not until the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s that colleges and universities across the country transformed the week into a month-long recognition on campus.
Learn more about Black History Month events at UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha
President Gerald Ford officially decreed Black History Month a national observance in 1976, on both the 50th anniversary of the first iteration and America’s bicentennial year.
In doing so Ford said, “In celebrating Black History Month we can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
UNMC and UNO will observe Black History Month with several events throughout the month of February starting with a Gospel Fest celebration today.
The Gospel Fest will feature gospel music performed by local artists and musicians and will include poetry and spoken word performances.
The performances will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the atrium of the Durham Outpatient Center.
Donation of the piano for the program is made possible by a generous donation by Music as Medicine.