The Black Family
Black families have been the subject of literature, television and academic study. This year, it’s the theme for Black History Month as set by the Association for the Study of Af rican American Life and History, the founders of Black History Month.
THE HISTORY
Negro History Week was established by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 to bring the public’s attention to important developments and explore the Black experience. Woodson also founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which is now the ASALH. In 1976, the week was expanded to all of February, which also counts the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
REPRESENTATION, IDENTITY AND DIVERSITY
Black families have been stereotyped, revered and vilified throughout American history. Family members spread across the states, nations and continents from the time of slavery to today. Furthermore, the image of family has extended itself to mean the African diaspora at large, the ASALH says. Family has a role in the foundation of Black life and history and has been a subject of rich debate. Black families have been portrayed as slave, free and headed by mothers or fathers, as extended or nuclear, as interracial. Black families are a rich tapestry.
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY
As the founders of Black History Month, the ASALH decides themes for exploration every year. Previous themes have included Black migrations, Af rican Americans in Times of War, The Crisis in Black Education, and Civil Rights in America. Future themes will include Black health and wellness and anti-Black violence and resistance in the diaspora.
As part of Black History Month, the ASALH will host a monthlong virtual Black History Month Festival celebrating the Black family. The f ree events include presentations on foodways, culture and traditions; presentation of the inaugural ASALH Book Prize; a conversation with Dr. Bernice King; and a discussion with Ngugi Wa Thiong’o and Sundiata Cha-Jua.
The marquee event is discussion with Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham on Black family stories and finding Af rican American roots. Tickets to that event, to be held Feb. 20, are $50. Other ASALH branches will hold other events throughout the month.