February is Black History Month. Black History Month recognizes and honors important people and events in the history of African-American history. In 1926 noted historian, Carter G. Woodson, originated the idea of "Negro History Week". Woodson chose the second week of February because it marked the birthdays of two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social condition of African Americans --former President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The tradition of what became Black History Month greatly influenced the expansion of academic scholarship and the corresponding recognition of the rich history of African-Americans. - National Women's History Project
Women are half the human race, and they're half of black history, as well. Here are some highlights bringing together black history and women's history. An ever-expanding list of resources for learning about famous African American women and other women of Black History. You'll find women who are famous and women who should be better-known, from early America and slavery to the 21st century, including the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights movement.
Women of Black History
40 Question Challenge - Created by Margaret Zierdt, National Women’s History Project Board Member
February 18
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Creative Writing Workshop
| University Library, Teaching, Learning & Professional Development Center, RM 153 (ground level)
7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Public Reading and Q&A | Escondido Theatre (Student Union Bldg. lower level)
Mariahdessa Ekere
Tallie is a writer, educator, and performer. She
has taught writing and performed her poetry in
North America, Europe, and Southern Africa. She is
the recipient of a 2010 Queens Council on the Arts
grant for her research on herbalists of the
African Diaspora working in urban and
non-traditional settings. Her writing has been
published in numerous literary journals and
anthologies including Crab Orchard Review, BOMB,
Paris/Atlantic, Go, Tell Michelle (SUNY),
Listen Up! (One World Ballantine) and
Revenge and Forgiveness (Henry Holt). She has
appeared on Dutch television and her work has been
the subject of a short film “I
Leave My Colors Everywhere.”
Her first collection of poetry,
Karma’s Footsteps, was
released by Flipped Eye Publishing in September of
2011. She teaches at York College in New York
City.
Hosted by the Women's Studies Program and the
TTU/TTUHSC Black Faculty & Staff Association. Additional sponsor include; TTU Black Graduate Student Association and the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work.
"My Great-Great-Granmother Talks to Michelle Obama" (2012)
Standing on My Sisters' Shoulders -
An award-winning documentary about courageous women in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement. Check out www.sisters-shoulders.org for additional information.
Movements
The Labor Movement which began as early as 1765 when women formed the first society of working women.
The Women's Suffrage Movement which was launched in 1848 at the first women's right conference held at Seneca Falls, NY.
The Civil Rights Movement in which women held a variety of roles from leadership to organizers to participants.
The Women's Rights Movement which was re-energized in the 20th Century with what is called the Second Wave.
The Environmental Movement in which women played a key role from the early 19th century and which was officially launched on Earth Day, April 22, 1970.
Quotes
I really don’t think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don’t mind the failure but I can’t imagine that I’d forgive myself if I didn’t try. - Nikki Giovanni
I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminshes fear. Rosa Parks Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us. - Susan L. Taylor
Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do. Where there is Love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong. - Ella Fitzgerald
When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid. - Audre Lorde
There is little place in the political scheme of things for an independent, creative personality, for a fighter. Anyone who takes that role must pay a price. - Shirley Chisholm
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