Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada and more recently has been observed in Ireland, and the United Kingdom. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated in February in the United States and Canada, while in Ireland, and the United Kingdom it is observed in October. Check out the YMCA’s Black History Month news and events below.
Click here for more information on why we celebrate African-American History Month.
Black History Month Events at the Y
All Y Branches: #wewearblack
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month by wearing black each Friday in February.
- We wear black to honor the struggle of those who came before us.
- We wear black to bring awareness to the institutional and systemic racism and oppression of black and brown people in the United States and around the world.
- We wear black in unity of those who are working daily to fight injustice, prejudice and inequity.
- We wear black to do our part to ensure that future generations have great opportunity and access to thrive.
Walnut Street YMCA
Delaware’s Trailblazers
February 3, 2024
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This year we are celebrating and acknowledging Delaware’s Trailblazers! We will have History Boards, Performances, Kids Activities, Vendors, Food & More!
Middletown Family YMCA
Amazing Author Catalog & Book Fair
Saturday, February 17th
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Middletown Family Y is excited to welcome The Amazing Author Catalog and Book Fair to celebrate Black History Month and highlight authors who collaborate passionately to cultivate diversity in literature. Come support literacy, inclusion, and foster a love of reading with an array of options.
Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA
Black History Month Celebration
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
February 19, 2024
Register HERE!
(Registration is required)
Panel Discussion
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Group Exercise Studio
Trailblazing Community Leaders: Celebrating Black Excellence
A discussion with trailblazing community leaders in various sectors, moderated by Jarrett Royster, President & CEO of the YMCA of Delaware.
Panelists:
- Ivan Thomas – Founder of DETV DETVCH
- Lanice Wilson – Founder of The Juice Joint 2.0 JUICE JOINT 2.0
- Dr. Tawanda Bond – Senior Director of Teaching and Learning Red Clay Consolidated School District
- Dr. Seun Ross – Executive Director Health Equity Independence Blue Cross
- Norman M. Oliver- Civic Servant and Serial Entrepreneur Stormin Normin
Lunch will be provided by Krys’ Soul Kreations.
Registration is required.
Black Owned Business EXPO
4 – 7 p.m. | Lobby
Open to Community: In Partnership with Women with a vision Women With A Vision (wearewomenwithavision.com)
This exciting event will feature a variety of vendors selling unique and high-quality products and services. There will also be delicious food, music, and art on display. Come support and uplift small businesses in our community and celebrate the rich culture and history of the Black community.
Nic Snow Band
4 – 7 p.m. | Lobby
Join us for an afternoon of celebration with the Nic Snow Band ! Nic Snow is a product of Delaware’s most prestigious music institutions – Christina Cultural Arts Center and Cab Calloway School of the Arts. Nic electrifies audiences with emotional performances, filling every release with his rich storytelling and soulful melodies.
Black History Month
Join us all month as we honor and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Black people who have guided our country’s growth and progress.
The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.
That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent.
Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures.
Family Table Talk
Look over this list of 120 Inspiring Quotes for Black History Month and chose a different quote each day to discuss over dinner talk about the person who said the quote and what they are known for. Ask your family questions like…
- What does this quote mean to you?
- Give a “real-life” example of what this quote is about.
- What do you think prompted the speaker to say this
- Is there something you can learn from this quote about how you should live your life?