Black History Month 2022

Today is the first day of Black History Month (and also the start of the Lunar New Year).

Growing up, the start of Black History Month was always accompanied by learning new facts about the many ways Black Americans have contributed to this nation and society as a whole. As children, we had a Black History bingo game we'd always play to revisit the many stories of accomplishment from the past (which I desperately wish I could find now).

Today, I'll continue in that tradition and share a quick fact with you all.

One of the more overlooked and unknown aspects of Black History Month is that each year has been themed since 1928.

2022's Theme: Black Health and Wellness

More about the theme from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) - the group founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson to continue the work of Black History Month:

The theme for 2022 focuses on the importance of Black Health and Wellness. This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.

In order to foster good health and wellness Black people have embarked on self-determination, mutual aid and social support initiatives to build hospitals, medical and nursing schools (i.e. Meharry Medical College, Howard University College of Medicine, Provident Hospital and Training School, Morehouse School of Medicine, etc.) and community clinics. Clinics were established by individuals, grassroots organizations and mutual aid societies, such as the African Union Society, National Association of Colored Women and Black Panther Party, to provide spaces for Black people to counter the economic and health disparities and discrimination that are found at mainstream institutions. These disparities and anti-Blackness led to communities developing phrases such as “When white folks catch a cold, Black folks get pneumonia.” Initiatives to help decrease disparities have centered several outcomes, including having more diverse practitioners and representation in all segments of the medical and health programs including such as the Ronald E. McNair Scholars. Even the impact of popular culture texts like Doc McStuffins cannot be dismissed.

Here's some materials if you'd like to dive into the theme more.

You can also view the 2022 Black History Month Festival Opening tonight at 6:30 pm EST. [link]

Happy Black History Month! 🧮