Dear Friends,
Let’s celebrate Black History Month!
The origins of Black History Month date to the 1920s. President Gerald Ford formally recognized Black History Month in 1976, making it an annual month-long celebration in February. He described it as an “opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
That’s an important goal, to be sure, but today, with efforts around the country to re-write that history and even limit its teaching in public schools (see Florida, for example), we should do all we can to understand and appreciate the full experience of Black Americans, honor their special place in our society, and celebrate their myriad contributions to it.
This month the Queens Public Library presents a series of programs focused on the 2025 Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor. NYC Parks is hosting Black Pioneers in STEM. The Harlem Chamber Players’ 17th Annual Black History Month Celebration is next week. These are just a few of the many events, exhibits, and educational activities to explore across NYC. Here at LaGuardia, Campus Life has organized events to celebrate Black culture and solidarity.
Learn, enjoy, celebrate!
Best wishes,
Kenneth Adams
President