Happy Black History Month, everyone!
Black History Month is about celebrating the many contributions of Black people, as well as Black lives, creatives, and Black excellence.
As you celebrate Black History Month this year, take time to reflect on how our lives are impacted by Black inventors, artists, and educators. Black inventors like Garrett Morgan, changed the world when they invented the Three-Light Traffic Signal. Inventors like Alexander Miles are responsible for the creation of Automatic Elevator Doors. In New York, Black artists like Jean-Michael Basquiat helped to illuminate the African American perspective on the world in his portrayals of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans through paintings, sculptures, and other art forms.
Moreover, we should also take time to reflect on the many sacrifices civil rights organizers, & political activists made to change the quality of life for Black community members. In 1972 American Political activist, educator, and author Angela Davis said, “Racism is indeed the key problem faced by the people of this country, and the threat of fascism is growing.” And in 1979 she told a crowd in Florida, “There is a proliferation of police assaults on the Black community all over the country.”
Today, thirty-eight percent of the U.S. prison population is Black, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The recent Death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee is an example of how racism is not just ideas and individuals, but also a systematic problem.
Historians have noted that the Black Lives Matter movement protests in 2020 and organizations that formed in response to the murder of George Floyd are the biggest civil rights movement since the 1960s.
Black lives matter is about sharing Black stories, experiences, and politics; It’s about Black history being taught in schools. Black lives must be valued at every stage and in every facet of society. When Black lives matter, everyone’s life gets better.
Sincerely,
Alexandria Hughes
Chair, OCDP African American Committee
BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS
Black History Month Walk Through HistoryFebruary 1-28Southfield Municipal Campus – 26000 Evergreen Rd.Walk Through History Front Lawn Display and Black History Activity Bags & T-Shirts
Black History Month Poetry Slam
Thursday, February 2, 6pm – 9pm
At Jay Birds Rotisserie and Grill in Southfield, M
Rockies Reality Podcast with Special Guest Jamond Jordan
Thursday, February 2, 7-8pm
Jamond Jordan is the founder of the Black Scroll history network, where they specialize in history tours that focus on African & African American history, especially, but not exclusively, African American history in Detroit (visit this website to learn more:Â https://blackscrollnetwork.weebly.com/).
Southfield, MI: Black History Month Kick-off Event
Saturday, February 4, 2023 –Â 4-8 p.m.
Black History Month Conversations & Cocktails
Friday, February 11, 7 -10 p.m
at the Southfield Pavilion
Pontiac Library: Black History Month Celebration
2/18/23, 1pm – 5pm
Pontiac Public Library 60 East Pike Street Pontiac, MI 48342
Details:Â Our library celebrates Black History Month with African American authors who will present their books, speakers, vendors, and more.
Oakland County Democratic Party
555 Horace Brown Drive, Suite 202
Madison Heights, MI 48071
United States
