Black History Month Theme 2022: Black Health & Wellness
By: Kaleigh Bryan, Intern
Welcome to February- a busy month filled with love and Black history appreciation. This month, we ring in the 36th annual, nationally recognized Black History Month. What started as a week-long observance of Black history, is now a month-long celebration and acknowledgment for the Black community and their contributions to society.
To commemorate Black history, let’s discuss what Black History Month is, how it came to be, and the significance of its yearly theme.
First established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926, Black History Month originated as ‘Negro History Week’. Woodson dedicated his life to the study of African American History. After founding the mission of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), Woodson wanted to show his appreciation for Black history by celebrating the contributions of African Americans throughout American history. Thus began the evolution into Black History Month.
Before it became a month-long tradition, ‘Negro History Week’ took place during the second week of February. Woodson chose this week because it encompassed Fredrick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays, two influential voices in Black rights. It was not until 1976, that former President Ford established the whole month of February to be Black History Month.
The progression of the formation of Black History Month can be accredited to the courageous Black rights activists, for example, the college students who protested and demanded universities establish Black Studies Departments and hold a month-long celebration of Black history. It was not until 10 years later in 1986, that U.S. Congress, House, and Senate officially designated February as Black History Month. The Presidential Proclamation 5443 states, “the foremost purpose of Black History Month is to make all Americans aware of this struggle for freedom and equal opportunity.”
Since the beginning of the celebration of Black History Month, each year is designated a new theme. The annual theme is under the selection of the ASALH. The Black History Month theme selected for 2022 is ‘Black Health and Wellness’. The theme of recognition for Black health and wellness comes at a fitting time in American history following the COVID-19 pandemic and recent surge in social justice.
The ASALH Theme Executive Summary describes the theme ‘Black Health and Wellness’ as an opportunity to honor the legacy and contributions of Black medical professionals, address inequities in healthcare, and encourage Black history education.
Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney, current president of the ASALH, stated this theme could not have come at a better time. He declared, “Our nation has suffered through two years of a worldwide pandemic called COVID-19. Almost one million Americans have died during the pandemic. African Americans have suffered disproportionately from COVID-19 more than any other group of Americans.” With no evidence the Black community is more prone to contracting COVID-19, studies show African Americans are more likely to face the risk factors associated with vulnerability to the virus at higher rates, like diabetes. A recent Mayo Clinic study found African Americans face more risk factors such as dense living conditions, high exposure occupancies, and less access to health care than other races in America.
These Black organizations work in response to fight obvious disparities in health treatment based on race. Research shows that ethnic and minority groups experience higher rates of sickness and death. Specifically, Black individuals face high rates of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. When compared to white people, Black Americans have a life expectancy four years shorter. This can be directly correlated to the access and treatment of Black Americans versus white in the health care system.
Despite the circumstances, Black scholars have successfully supported medical initiatives. Taking health matters into their own hands, Black individuals have worked hard to create distinguished medical schools and hospitals. One of these universities includes Howard University College of Medicine, which has produced more than 10,000 physicians since being founded- the majority of them from underserved communities. Furthermore, collaborative organizations like the African Union Society and the National Association of Colored Women have been established to work against health discrimination and promote health wellness for Black individuals.
To fight medical discrimination, Black associations promote Black liberation through mutual aid. For example, the Center for Black Health and Equity utilizes strategic partnerships to educate the community on health challenges commonly faced by African Americans. Other organizations, like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, approach race-based discrimination at the structural level through activist work. These organizations work endlessly to unite communities, promote Black liberation, and Black wellness.
While it is important to show appreciation every month of the year, we utilize February as a time to highlight the Black community and all they have given to society. Support can be shown for Black History Month through shopping at black businesses, giving time, money, or resources to Black-owned nonprofits, and advocacy work. Acknowledgment and appreciation for the Black community can also be shown through learning about Black history and important figures.
Black History Month is a time of unity- a celebration of diversity and history. Celebrate Black history this month and every month!
Resources:
Racial Equity Support Line: 503-575-3764
Show your support:
National Association of Colored Women’s Club: https://www.nacwc.com/
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People: https://naacp.org/
African Union: https://au.int/
Center for Black Health hand Equity: https://centerforblackhealth.org/
Related Links:
https://www.doc.wa.gov/news/2022/02022022.htm
https://asalh.org/about-us/about-black-history-month/
https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/racism-disparities/index.html
https://centerforblackhealth.org/our-approach/
Whittier Street is holding its celebration of Black History Month on Thurs., Feb. 17 | Dorchester Reporter (dotnews.com)
