February is Black History Month. This is a time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, referred to as the Father of Black History, chose the second week in February initially as “Negro History Week” to include the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (president who formally abolished slavery) and Frederick Douglass (abolitionist who escaped slavery). Dr. Woodson was among the first black scholars to receive a doctoral degree. After getting his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University, he joined the faculty at Howard University as a professor and historian.

Recently Maya Angelou, poet, memoirist and civil rights activist, became the first Black woman to be commemorated on the U.S. quarter. She worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, wrote seven autobiographies, performed in plays, films, and on television, and received over 50 honorary degrees. Here's a wonderful quote from her:

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,

People will forget what you did,

But people will never forget how you made them feel.

Harriett Tubman, abolitionist, nurse, and human rights advocate, has been commemorated on a sculpture, Journey to Freedom. This sculpture demonstrates her heroism and determination as she helped to free others from slavery.

Throughout JABA, we will be celebrating Black History Month, at our Centers, in our newsletter (subscribe here!), and in our social media posts. Join us in embracing our second value of Inclusion, through learning more about important people in our community.

Marta M. Keane
Chief Executive Officer