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• 1926: The second week of February was designated as Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson. At that time, Black history was not studied or included in textbooks.

• 1976: Black History Month was officially established by President Gerald Ford to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. February was deemed a good fit since it includes the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.

• Black History Month is also observed in Canada, the U.K., Germany, and the Netherlands to celebrate the history and accomplishments of Black people in different months throughout the year. 

Black History is More Than the Movies

• Despite the popular focus of textbooks, movies, and documentaries, Black history is more than the Atlantic Slave Trade, slavery, segregation, Jim Crow, and the effects of racism in America. While these are all important parts for us to consider, there is so much more--Rich culture, innovative fashions, creative artistry, brilliant inventions, pioneering music, and an undeniable force in the shaping of American popular culture.

• Black history is global and goes back to some of the earliest civilizations in time. Although officially celebrated here in America with a focus on African Americans, Black history has so many stories of resilience, excellence, contributions, and beautiful cultures in every part of the world.

• Did you know that there are buildings on campus named after Middlebury's earliest Black Alumni? 

• Did you know that there is a Black owned family farm just 30 minutes from campus? The Clemmons family are making history as one in 17 Black-owned farms in Vermont. Visit their Website

• Did you also know that Vermont has a rich Black history including involvement with the Underground Railroad? You can find instructions to geocache your way to all the historical sites at www.vtafricanamericanheritage.net.

• La'Keiah Batista Sanchez is making her own bit of Vermont Black history by joining the ranks of the very few options for BIPOC hair care in Vermont. Her salon, Euphoric Hair Experience in Rutland, VT will be open for business soon. Follow the salon on Facebook, website or Instagram to keep up with the launch!

https://middlebury.libguides.com/blackhistorydisplay 

Lift every voice and sing,

Till earth and heaven ring,

Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;

Let our rejoicing rise

High as the list'ning skies,

Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,

Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod,

Bitter the chast'ning rod,

Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;

Yet with a steady beat,

Have not our weary feet

Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered.

We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,

Out from the gloomy past,

Till now we stand at last

Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years,

God of our silent tears,

Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way;

Thou who hast by Thy might,

Led us into the light,

Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,

Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;

Shadowed beneath Thy hand,

May we forever stand,

True to our God,

True to our native land.