Black History Month will be featured in Dougherty County libraries, schools throughout February

ALBANY — For many people, the annual recognition of Black History Month in February seems to be something that has always been around. But the genesis of the monthlong celebration started in 1926 with “Negro History Week,” meant to showcase the accomplishments of black people since the abolition of slavery.

Black History Month was an extension of that original week’s recognition, later renamed “Negro Achievement Week,” started 50 years earlier mostly due to the efforts of Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History he helped found in 1912.

Tradition has it that Woodwon chose February because it encompassed the birthdays of early civil rights champion Frederick Douglas on the 14th and President Abraham Lincoln, whose Feb. 12 birthday had been celebrated by black communities for decades.

While the first Black History Month commemoration did not come until 1976, the city of Albany and Dougherty County helped make some of the history that would become part of the celebration.

During the 1960s civil rights era, Albany was a hot spot for the movement, with a local effort that became the Albany Movement and multiple visits by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Local civil rights pioneer Charles Sherrod played a role in forming the Albany Movement and led voter registration drives. He is recognized in Albany with the Charles Sherrod Civil Rights Park on South Jackson Street.

In “The Souls of Black Folk,” published in 1903, author and activist W.E.B. Dubois featured Dougherty County as a representation of African American life in the Black Belt region of Georgia following the U.S. Civil War.

Throughout the month of February, the Dougherty County Library System will feature Black History Month with programs and events. Display tables throughout the various libraries also will highlight books about African American culture and history.

“I think it’s always important to talk about history, regardless of what it is, and highlight the people that have meant so much to our history,” Library System Director Gail Evans said. “Since this is Black History Month, we want to talk about those who have been so important so we don’t forget these people. If we don’t share this information, it can be lost and our children now won’t know the people who meant so much.”

One of the highlights will come on Feb. 24 with an author’s market that includes Anita Gail Jones, author of “The Peach Seed,” which is in the library’s collection.

“Her book is actually about Albany,” Evans said. “It’s set in Albany. She will be there, along with 15 other authors, to talk about their books and sell their books.”

That event will be held from 11 a.m-2 p.m. at the Northwest Library on Dawson Road.

In addition, there will be story time events during the month. Other scheduled library events include:

— Feb . 12: The Albany State University Brass Quintet will perform classical, rag-time and jazz music composed and made famous by African American musicians and composers. The program starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Northwest Library.

— Scavenger hunt for black historical figures hidden in the Tallalulah Massey branch. The event is for children 12 and under and their families. Participants will receive a prize.

— Feb. 12-15: Black History Month Bingo at the Westtown Library.

— Feb. 16: Black books, art, music and film presentation. Starts at 4 p.m. at the Central Library.

— Thursday: Black History Month trivia. The program starts at 4 p.m. at the Central Library and will explore the question: “What does black history mean to you?”

— Feb. 23: Local history presentation, 4 p.m. at the Central Library.

The Dougherty County School System also will recognize Black History Month throughout February. Events in the system include:

— Pre-K will celebrate Black History Month with a parade on at 9 a.m on Feb. 23. Students will dress as their chosen black history character during the parade. Each class will recognized.

— Sherwood Acres Elementary School will hold a black history program on Feb. 23..

— Monroe High School presents a celebration of hip-hop on Feb. 29. The school’s Fine Arts Department will celebrate the impactful artistic contributions of black Americans in music and various art forms.

— Morningside Elementary School’s black history program will focus on African Americans and the arts on Feb. 23. It will include a speaker, songs and skits.

— Robert A. Cross Middle Magnet School will present Famous African American Musicians & Entertainers (F.A.M.E.), a black history showcase, on Feb. 27.

File Photo: Alan Mauldin