February marks what is known as Black History Month. The origins of Black History Month date back to 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of black history, recognized that the history of African Americans was being ignored and misrepresented. Therefore he took steps to put things right by founding the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The association was created to promote and preserve African-American history and culture.
Dr. Woodson’s desire was to draw attention to the deliberate miseducation of African Americans and the misrepresentation of the great achievements of Blacks. It was said that Dr. Woodson specifically selected a week in February because both Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln were both born in that month. This was consistent with his efforts to expand his outreach to make it a national celebration as well as a symbolic show of improved race relations.
When Dr. Woodson died in 1950, Negro History Week had become a cultural institution within the Black community. In the 1960’s, as the Black Power movement grew, many complained that one week was not long enough to celebrate the numerous accomplishments of Blacks. In 1976, the celebration was expanded to cover the entire month in order to point out the tremendous accomplishments of Blacks against overwhelming odds in America, displaying the struggles and successes of an oppressed but resilient people.
This year, Vision Educational Center and our partners are honoring the tradition of Black History Month in the Dillon community by hosting a Black Tie affair at the Dillon County Theater on Saturday, February 19, 2011. The event will start at 6:00 PM. The theme of the evening will be “The Torch Is Ours”. Like Dr. Woodson, Vision Education Center believes that the tremendous volume of accomplishments by African Americans should be given recognition and shared with as many people as possible.
The evening will be filled with a variety of speakers, talent showcases, and awards to several community leaders in six different categories to celebrate the Dillon community and recognized leaders of education, business, sports, public service, community organizations, and a legacy award. It is the goal of Vision Educational Center and our partners to provide enlightenment, entertainment and civic pride in an all-encompassing evening. Everyone is invited to come out and celebrate this great event. It is sure to be an event that will leave a lasting, positive impression on everyone who attends.
