In a Minute
The month of February is Black History Month. Also known as African American History Month, the celebration grew out of “Negro History Week,” which was developed by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland. The duo 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.” On Feb. 7, 1926, Woodson initiated the first celebration of Negro History Week, which eventually led to Black History Month and was meant “to extend and deepen the study and scholarship on African American history, all year long.” In 1976, during the nation’s bicentennial, President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Sources: africanamericanhistorymonth.gov, history.com
by Tracie Seed
Tidbits & Trivia The Four Corners is the only spot in the U.S. where you can stand in four states at once: Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. The heart of the blue whale, the largest animal on earth, is 5 feet long and weighs 400 pounds. It’s impossible to hum while holding your nose — just try it! The first footprints on the moon will remain there for 1 million years.
National Celebration Days
Jan 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan 21 Nat’l Hugging Day Jan 24 Nat’l Compliment Day 10
Winter 2021 | www.TSPRA.org
Feb Black History Month Feb 11 Nat’l Make a Friend Day Feb 14 Valentine’s Day
Feb 21 Presidents Day March 4 Nat’l Grammar Day March 13 Pi Day
