Celebrate Black History Month
Cultural heritage months help us educate ourselves on our shared history, including the challenge faced by different minority groups and achievements made. Below you can see a number of different cultural heritage celebration months.
- February: African American History Month
- March: National Women’s History Month, Irish-American Heritage Month
- March 13 to April 15: National Deaf History Month
- May: Asian Pacific American Heritage, Older Americans Month and Jewish American Heritage Month
- June: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month)
- September: National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15)
- October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month and National Italian American Heritage Month
- November: National American Indian Heritage Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. With origins dating back to 1915, throughout decades that followed mayors of towns and cities across the country began issuing yearly proclamations dedicating a week for celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans in our country.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, and since that time every single US President who followed has designated February as Black History Month, along with a specific theme. February was to chosen as it coincides with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
The Black History Month 2022 theme focuses on the importance of Black Health and Wellness. This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also others, such as doulas, midwives, naturopaths, and herbalists. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives of Black communities.
Many of our local organizations offer ways to celebrate Black History Month in our community. We hope that residents will be able to take advantage of the local programs. The importance of Black History Month, and the value of exploring and understanding an array of cultures, can continue to be celebrated throughout the year.
Stonington Historical Society
We are so excited to share that the long-awaited exhibit is ready for viewing. The Lighthouse Museum has established special hours to view the newest exhibition: “My Freedom is a Privilege that Nothing Else Can Equal:” The Story of Venture Smith and Slavery in Stonington. Admission is free for all. The project received financial support from the State of Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development. Read more here.
The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce & the Mystic & Noank Library
These two organizations are partnering to help the community celebrate Black literature. The Chamber and Library are inviting notable speakers, local residents, and students from Stonington and Groton to read inspiring excerpts from Black authors. Students can also express themselves through their own words in poems or essays. The library will create a display featuring books at all reading levels to encourage students, who will also be invited to read and share excerpts at this celebration of Black literature. The format for reading will include an introduction by the reader of why they chose their piece or how a particular author inspired their original presentation. This celebration will be held outdoors at the Mystic River Park on February 19th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Details here.
Mystic Seaport Museum
The MSM will have a series of events & lectures, as well as spotlight exhibits and items from their collection showcasing the impact of Black Americans in our maritime history. This work is ongoing and they look forward to sharing discoveries and research this month and beyond. Read more here.
La Grua Center: African Drum and Dance
No musical experience necessary! Learn traditional West African rhythms from Guinea, which have been played for hundreds of years. This class is offered ever Tuesday at 6pm.
Westerly Library
Youth Services at Westerly Library & Wilcox Park began a new partnership at the end of 2021 by collaborating with Westerly Anti-Racism Coalition (Westerly ARC) in December. The partnership has thus far led to collaborations at Westerly ARC’s peaceful protests on the post office steps, including curated anti-racism booklists, a bilingual story time, and the ongoing development of a Youth Day to highlight young voices in the community. On February 13th, Westerly Library & Wilcox Park will team up with Westerly ARC to provide a bilingual story time and craft packages on the front steps of the post office. The theme for this gathering is a combination of both Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, asking the question: “Who is someone you admire that is currently making Black History?” Join and share your thoughts from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on February 13th
Stonington Free Library Books and Videos
- Books- Explore biographies, contemporary voices, young adults and children’s books.
- Videos-