Black History Month 2024 February is Black History Month in the U.S., and this year's theme is "African Americans and the Arts." We're compiling stories, music performances and podcasts related to the Black experience.
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Nadine Chapman (left) and Rachel Perić are residents of the Rollingwood subdivision who are working together to publicize and memorialize the Rollingwood Burial Ground for Enslaved People in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Dee Dwyer for NPR hide caption
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Dee Dwyer for NPR
Their journey to unearth a cemetery for enslaved people led to communitywide interest
February 9, 2024 Urban development has erased many Black cemeteries around the U.S., but now a movement to find and memorialize them is underway.
Martin Luther King Jr. makes his last public appearance, at the Mason Temple in Memphis, Tenn., on April 3, 1968. The following day, King was assassinated on his motel balcony. Charles Kelly/AP hide caption
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Charles Kelly/AP
5 MLK speeches you should know. Spoiler: 'I Have a Dream' isn't on the list
February 7, 2024 Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech is well known, but there are several other key speeches that also resonate as historical signposts of the Civil Rights Movement.
Stanley Wade (from left), Harold Wade, Earl Young, Robert Upchurch and Jimmy Ellis of the disco band The Trammps pose for a portrait in 1977. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images hide caption
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Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
World Cafe Words and Music Podcast
Black Futures: How disco set the stage for dance and electronic music
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February 6, 2024 For Black History Month, World Cafe correspondent John Morrison dives into the rise of disco in the '70s and the genesis of dance and club culture.
John Morrison on World Cafe
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A lone shopper heads into a Target store on Jan. 11 in Lakewood, Colo. David Zalubowski/AP hide caption
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David Zalubowski/AP
Target pulls Black History Month book that misidentified 3 civil rights icons
February 2, 2024 The magnet book mixed up W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington and Carter G. Woodson. Target said it will no longer sell the book in stores or online and that it notified the publisher of the errors.
From left: Sekou, Dua Saleh, Alemeda and McKinley Dixon Braden Lee & Christopher Behnen; Randijah Simmons; David Muessig/Courtesy of the artists hide caption
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Braden Lee & Christopher Behnen; Randijah Simmons; David Muessig/Courtesy of the artists
World Cafe
For Black History Month, World Cafe looks forward to 'Black Futures'
WXPN
February 1, 2024 World Cafe turns its ear toward the future with a spotlight on up-and-coming artists blazing their own path beyond genre.
Brittni Robertson Powell, with the New Orleans-based bookstore Baldwin & Co. looks through her choice for Black History Month: I Am Ruby Bridges. Aubri Juhasz/Aubri Juhasz hide caption
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Aubri Juhasz/Aubri Juhasz
6 books to help young readers learn about Black history
February 1, 2024 Five authors, librarians and book shop owners suggest turning to literature to help teach kids about Black history, culture and themes for this Black History Month.
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James Baldwin's Shadow (Throwback)
February 1, 2024 James Baldwin believed that America has been lying to itself since its founding. An insightful commentator on Black identity, American democracy, and racism, he saw something deep and ugly and stubborn in American culture, and never hesitated to call it by its name — to bear witness, regardless of what it cost him. As the United States continues to reckon with all aspects of its history, writer and professor Eddie S. Glaude Jr. guides us through the meaning and purpose of James Baldwin's work, and how his words can help us navigate our current moment.
James Baldwin's Shadow (Throwback)
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Don Scott, speaker the Virginia House of Delegates, has had a meteoric rise in the Statehouse. The Delegates unanimously voted him in as speaker on Wednesday. Shaban Athuman/VPM hide caption
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Shaban Athuman/VPM
Don Scott becomes first Black speaker in Virginia Legislature's 400-year history
January 10, 2024 Del. Don Scott, a rising star among Virginia Democrats with a unique personal story, was voted in as speaker of the Virginia Statehouse.
Don Scott becomes first Black speaker in Virginia Legislature's 400-year history
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Large crowds gather at the Washington Monument and around the reflecting pool to demonstrate for civil rights on Aug. 28, 1963, in Washington, D.C. AP hide caption
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Black History Month 2024 has begun. Here's this year's theme and other things to know
February 1, 2023 The annual celebration started out in 1926 as Negro History Week and expanded to Black History Month in the 1970s. This year celebrates "African Americans and the Arts."
More from Black History Month 2024
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics, including Black History Month and the concepts mentioned in this article.
Black History Month is observed in February in the United States, and it is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. The theme for Black History Month in 2024 is "African Americans and the Arts." This theme highlights the significant impact of African Americans in various artistic fields, such as music, literature, visual arts, and more.
The article mentions several concepts related to Black History Month and African American culture. Let's explore them further:
African Americans and the Arts
The theme for Black History Month 2024 is "African Americans and the Arts." This theme acknowledges the significant contributions of African Americans to various artistic disciplines, including music, literature, visual arts, and more. It recognizes the rich cultural heritage and artistic achievements of African Americans throughout history.
Unearthing and Memorializing Black Cemeteries
The article discusses the movement to find and memorialize Black cemeteries that have been erased due to urban development. This movement aims to preserve the history and memory of enslaved people buried in these cemeteries. By uncovering and memorializing these burial grounds, communities are raising awareness and honoring the lives and experiences of enslaved individuals.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Speeches
The article mentions that there are several key speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. that resonate as historical signposts of the Civil Rights Movement. While his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech is well known, there are other speeches that also hold significant importance in the context of the Civil Rights Movement.
Disco and its Influence on Dance and Electronic Music
The article highlights a podcast episode that explores the rise of disco in the 1970s and its impact on dance and club culture. It discusses how disco set the stage for the development of dance and electronic music genres. This exploration of disco's influence sheds light on the cultural and musical contributions of African Americans to the music industry.
Black History Month Books for Young Readers
The article suggests six books that can help young readers learn about Black history. These books are recommended by authors, librarians, and bookshop owners as valuable resources for teaching children about Black history, culture, and themes. This recommendation emphasizes the importance of educating young minds about the contributions and experiences of African Americans.
James Baldwin's Work and Influence
The article mentions James Baldwin, an influential writer and commentator on Black identity, American democracy, and racism. It discusses how Baldwin's work continues to be relevant in the current moment, guiding us through the meaning and purpose of his writings. This highlights the enduring impact of Baldwin's words and his role in shaping discussions on race and society.
Achievements of Black Leaders in Politics
The article mentions Don Scott, who became the first Black speaker in the Virginia Legislature's 400-year history. This achievement highlights the progress made in terms of representation and diversity in political leadership.
These are the main concepts mentioned in this article. If you have any specific questions or would like more information on any of these topics, feel free to ask!
