Prologue:
The use of the Liberation Tricolour (above) is appropriate for this post entry here on ReNude Pride. Today, 1 February, marks the first day of Black History Month in the USA. I am legally married to a Black man, Aaron, who is African-Canadian. His heritage is with the Yoruba Tribe of west Africa. As my spouse, we are both co-administrators of this site.
We both reside here in the USA and have dual citizenships and passports: Aaron/Canada and myself/Greece. We both celebrate Black History Month not just during February but throughout the entire year. We cordially invite you to join with us!
Introduction: Black History Month, 2025
The USA’ s Black History Month represents the bold and brave official determination and recognition of a concept and ideal that historically evolved from the racial community and culture which it honours: African-American.
The founder of this occasion, Carter G. Woodson, was himself an inspired, insightful, and proud Black man. When first initiated, it was a new, provocative and radical concept. At that time, all of the entire continent of Africa, with the exception of Ethiopia and Liberia, was under colonial rule. The United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Italy controlled the land, the people and their destinies.
In the USA, Black people lived and worked under segregation (separateness), second-class citizenship and worse. There were no Black pride, Black lives matter nor Black civil rights movements. Discrimination and marginalization were in effect without recourse, nationwide, of the then 48 states by law. It was also practiced nationally (by social custom) until the very late 1950s.
Despite the practically universal global policy of being marginalized (set aside as inferior) and oppressed (dominated), the history of the Black people’s accomplishments and achievements in the USA exceeded and surpassed imaginations. From enslavement to triumphant, African-Americans have not only survived, they have thrived to become a remarkable example of glory, integrity and success.
Black History Month is a time of reflection and rejoicing due to the dreams, efforts and ideals of Carter G. Woodson, affectionately and respectfully known as the “Father of Black History.” Through his dedication and tireless promotion, the foundations (seeds) of history and knowledge were planted and nourished within the minds of old and young, poor and rich throughout the USA. Because of him, Black history is now synonymous with American history and the two are now united.
Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson was an African-American author, historian, journalist and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH). He was among the first scholars to to study the African diaspora, especially African-American experiences and history.
Carter Godwin Woodson
Born: December 19, 1875
Birthplace: New Canton, Virginia, USA
Died: April 3, 1950
Deathplace: Shaw neighbourhood, Washington, D.C., USA
Education: Harvard University, Berea College, University of Chicago
Organizations founded: Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH)
Aware of pre-existing commemorations of Black history, organized locally by primarily Black churches and schools, Woodson created Negro History Week around traditional days of honouring the Black American past, the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). He encouraged people to extend their focused study of African-American history, not to create a new tradition. Woodson believed that history was made by the people, not simply or primarily by great men.
The Sankofa Adinkra symbol is an appropriate conclusion for this posting, “Black History Month, 2025!” We are indeed wise to learn from our past, as often as necessary, in order to face our future!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 3, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Phoenix: Our Man!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 