Staying in Touch

Hello JCA Interages Volunteers,

We are pleased to introduce Andy, a ninth-grader at Walter Johnson High School. Last year he participated in the Kensington Club/Interages Spanish Club on Zoom. Andy, a young JCA Heyman Interages journalist, wrote the following segment about African American History Month. Thank you, Andy!

The month of February is Black History Month, a tribute designed to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans and recognize their vital and irreplaceable role in U.S. history. Black History Month began as a week-long effort to encourage Americans to study the often unacknowledged history and culture of Black Americans but expanded to include the entirety of February in 1976. During these 28 (or 29) days, the influence of Black Americans in the fields of science, mathematics, the arts, sports, and the economy is annually spotlighted. 

Although today, many schools, companies, popular culture, and various organizations recognize the accomplishments of Black Americans all year round, the month of February serves as a platform for many organizations to highlight the Black community’s accomplishments. Actor Morgan Freeman, however, criticized Black History Month because he feels that ‘Black History is American History’ and that Black history should be integrated into conversations about American history all year-round, and not just reserved to the month of February.   

Black History Month is not just for students, however. People of all ages can take part in Black History Month events and programming. Many Black History events will take place in Montgomery County this February. The following are some websites that list some great local Black History month activities that all are welcome to attend and enjoy!