East Aurora District 131 Celebrates Black History Month

Press release from East Aurora School District 131:

Dear East Aurora District 131 Friends and Families,

Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, a month-long event to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans to our nation.

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson created a week-long event to celebrate the contributions of African Americans. Woodson was an educator and one of the first scholars to study African American history. He is often referred to as the “Father of Black History.”

At the time, Woodson chose the second week in February for the celebration, to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Over time, the week-long celebration eventually became Black History Month.

This month, East Aurora School District 131 joins our community and the nation in celebrating Black History Month. It also gives us the opportunity to recognize and support the phenomenal work African Americans have done and continue to do in helping our community grow.

Throughout the month, our students will have additional remote classroom opportunities to learn more about the experiences, culture, and contributions of African Americans who have shaped American history.

I realize that unfortunately, this year’s month-long celebration will look different because of the pandemic. Traditionally, our district has hosted an in-person Black History Month Celebration, with the help of a district-wide committee.

This year our committee has created a calendar of suggested activities to help families celebrate African American culture, such as supporting African American-owned businesses, cooking or enjoying African American foods, listening to music from African American artists, or even visiting online African American museums—as a few examples.

We look forward to the day when we can again gather together for in-person celebrations. But for now, as we celebrate Black History Month, let us recognize all African Americans whose ongoing courage and contributions contribute to our society.

On behalf of our Board of Education, and all of us at East Aurora School District 131 … join us as we celebrate Black History Month!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer Norrell, Superintendent
East Aurora School District 131

This press release was produced by East Aurora School District 131. The views expressed here are the author’s own.