February marks Black History Month and this is a time to celebrate, to reflect, and look forward.
"Black History Month began in 1976 but was initiated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who is known as the “Father of Black History.” He started the first Negro History Week in 1926 to ensure students would learn Black History."
"The relevance of February goes back to 1926, when ASALH’s founder Dr. Carter G. Woodson first established “Negro History Week” during the second week of February. And why that week? Because it encompasses the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass—both men being great American symbols of freedom. However, Woodson never confined Negro History to a week." excerpts from https://asalh.org/
Message from Rotary International:
At Rotary, we have no tolerance for racism. Promoting respect, celebrating diversity, demanding ethical leadership, and working tirelessly to advance peace are central tenets of our work.
We have more work to do to create more just, open and welcoming communities for all people.
We know there are no easy fixes and that challenging conversations and work lie before all of us.
Rotary’s strength has long been our ability and commitment to bringing people together.
We will tap into that strength now as we stand with those who are working for peace and justice.
Rotary will do our part to listen, learn and take action to ensure that we continue to contribute to making positive change.
"Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within." ~ James Baldwin
"James Baldwin was a writer, a speaker and a gay Black man during the height of the civil rights movement. In his book of essays The Fire Next Time, he reminds us that real love allows us to let our guard down and be our authentic selves. Love is fearlessness." By Joie A. Doggett
