Happy Black History Month!
Black History Month began as Black History Week in the early 20th century, founded by the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History and, in turn, ASALH’s founder Carter G. Woodson. Black History Week arose after years of ASALH’s efforts to preserve African American History. February was chosen to encompass two traditional days of celebration in Black communities, Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays, to build upon pre-existing traditions and cast the entire community in reverence, rather than celebrate individual figures. However, it was always Woodson’s intention that Black history was not confined to just a week, or even a month. Since the 1970s, every administration has proclaimed February as Black History Month, but let’s remind ourselves of Woodson’s intention: Black History Month is every month.
To learn more about Black History Month, explore these resources:
Saturday, February 7 was National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This is a day to shed light on the structural challenges faced by the Black community living with HIV/AIDS. Despite making up only about 12% of the US population, Black people represent about 39% of those living with HIV. Additionally, Black people hold the lowest PrEP-to-Need Ratio, and account for the lowest percentage of PrEP users in 2024. NBHAAD was first observed in 1999 and, since then, has stood as an annual reminder to shape HIV/AIDS awareness efforts around those most marginalized.
Take a look at these resources to learn more about NBHAAD:
Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week begins the week after Valentine’s Day, from February 15 through February 21. ASAW began in 2015 to celebrate the aromantic community around a universally recognized romantic holiday.
To learn more about Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week and identities on the aromantic spectrum, check out these resources:
Finally, the last day in February, February 28, is HIV Is Not A Crime Awareness Day. This day was founded by The Sero Project and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 2022 to highlight that, despite living with HIV not being a crime, 29 states in the US have specific laws that prosecute people living with HIV.
To learn more about HIV Is Not A Crime Awareness Day, take a look at the resources below:
As always, the Center will be open for any resources and support that you need to get you through the rest of these cold (but warmer now!) days.
Happy Black History Month, Tar Heels!