Black History Month
“To be afraid is to behave as if the truth were not true.”
- Bayard Rustin
February is Black History Month. There is a classic Chris Rock joke about Black History Month happening during the shortest and coldest month of the year, but did you know that February was chosen as the month for the celebration because it includes the birthdays of two notable figures in Black American history? They are Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. The first iteration of the month, then a weeklong recognition, occurred in 1926. The event was conceptualized by Harvard historian Carter G. Woodson. Black History Month is both a time to affirm the impact Black Americans have had on the United States and to recognize the accomplishments in overcoming injustices in our nation.
This year SHARE Detroit highlights three nonprofits that preserve Black history and aim to ensure strong Black futures. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History's vision statement is to see us towards “a world in which the adversity and achievement of African American history inspire everyone toward greater understanding, acceptance, and unity!”
The other two nonprofits we want to highlight this month are NW Goldberg Cares and Young People Global Edge. NW Goldberg Cares contributes to community preservation and development of the majority Black NW Goldberg neighborhood in Detroit. Young People Global Edge aims to help more Black students experience international travel that will help them become citizens of the world.
We hope that you will take the time to to learn more about and support these organizations by attending an event, volunteering, donating money, or shopping their wish lists! You can find more Black-led, Black-supporting nonprofits on our website here.
About SHARE Detroit
SHARE Detroit is a community initiative with opportunities to do good across the SE Michigan tri-county area. Our robust online platform makes giving easy by connecting generous people to the greatest needs in the community. ShareDetroit.org offers local nonprofits a chance to be seen and heard, regardless of cause or size, and work together. Learn more at ShareDetroit.org.