Blog by the Black History 365 Team
Introduction
Black History Month is a time to learn about the achievements of African Americans and their central role in U.S. history. Celebrating Black History is more than remembering the past, it's about envisioning a hopeful future. We celebrate Black History Month at AC Library in February and honor Black history throughout the year through our events and our collection of books and materials.
Origins of Black History Month
In 1915, Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History” was inspired by a Chicago exhibition that displayed the accomplishments of Africans. He went on to establish The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, and the Journal of Negro History in 1916. Woodson was an educator, author, and historian who wanted future generations of Black students to be inspired by their history and achieve even greater accomplishments.
Madeline Morgan was another advocate for Black history and is credited for creating the first Black history school curriculum for Chicago public school students in the 1940s. Learn more about her contribution with the biography, A Worthy Piece of Work by Michael Hines.
The Theme for 2025 is African Americans and Labor
Each year, Black History Month presents a unique opportunity to learn something new. To enrich these annual celebrations, The Association for the Study of African American Life and History selects a new theme annually. This year’s theme, African Americans and Labor, explores the forced labor of enslaved Africans as well as the community-building efforts of Black social justice activists. It also highlights the wage disparity and employment discrimination faced by Black Americans while celebrating the progress made in the fight for labor rights.
Who was A. Philip Randolph?
Alongside Bayard Rustin, A. Philip Randolph organized the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This march was the event where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. As a labor organizer and civil rights activist, A. Phillip Randolph was instrumental in unionizing the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, and 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the union’s creation.
Learn more about A. Philip Randolph and his leadership in the mobilization for equity in employment for African Americans with this video. Chicago’s The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum is a cultural institution that seeks to educate visitors on the legacy of African American railroad employees and their stories.
Learn about the Black Labor Movement in the United States:
- 5 Black Leaders that Shaped the Labor Movement | NEA
- Black Women in the Labor Movement Have Long Defended American Workers | Teen Vogue
Celebrate Black History Month with AC Library
Join us this February at these AC Library locations to explore a variety of programs and events celebrating African American achievements, history, and Black joy.
- Family Movie: Space Jam at Dublin Library on Saturday, February 1
- Broken Pencils: A Visit and Conversation with Author J.R. Rice at Castro Valley Library on Saturday, February 1
- Musical Bingo: Love Songs at San Lorenzo Library on Monday, February 3
- Music with the Kalimba King! at San Lorenzo Library on Wednesday, February 5
- Black History Month Storytime at Centerville Library on Wednesday, February 5
- Black History Month Festival at Silliman Center on Saturday, February 8
- Butterfly in the Sky: A Reading Rainbow Documentary at Castro Valley Library on Sunday, February 9
- Signing Stories - an ASL Storytime at Fremont Main Library on Monday, February 10
- The 1619 Project Book Club at Fremont Main Library on Tuesday, February 11
- TO BOLDLY GO: Afrofuturism for Kids and Families at Castro Valley Library on Saturday, February 15
- Teen Movie: Black Panther at Dublin Library on Tuesday, February 18
- Ticket to Ride: The Pullman Porter Route at San Lorenzo Library on Wednesday, February 19
- Love in Action: Practicing Self-Care & Community Care Together, at San Lorenzo Library on Saturday, February 22
- Black History Month: Movie & Discussion at Fremont Main Library on Monday, February 24
- Crafting Together at Fremont Main Library on Thursday, February 27
Celebrate Black History Month in Alameda County
- Lunar New Year x Black History Month 2025 in Oakland on Saturday, February 1
- Black History Month Festival at Silliman Center in Newark on Saturday, February 8
- Black History Celebration by West Coast Makers in San Leandro on Saturday, February 15
- Black Joy Parade in Oakland on Sunday, February 23
Book Lists
Find reading recommendations for children, teens, and adults with these Black History Month book lists from AC Library staff.
Black History Month is a time to learn about the achievements of African Americans and their central role in U.S. history. This book list includes nonfiction, fiction inspired by history, and books that depict joyful Black children and adults. Learn something new and find inspiration within these stories that honor Black history and experience!
Celebrating Black History is more than remembering the past, it's about recognizing present achievements and envisioning a hopeful future. The titles in this book list are about African American young adults making history and becoming future leaders. Get inspired by the biographies, historical fiction, and poetry titles on this book list!
The 2025 theme for Black History Month is African Americans and Labor. The non-fiction titles in this list give historical and modern accounts of how Black people have organized to find success in the workplace despite ongoing discrimination. In addition, self-help titles and memoirs offer readers insight into personal stories of how Black professionals persevered in their careers.
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