|
For the month of February 2008,
our SIRS solutions spotlight
several special themes
from their unique perspectives.
SIRS Knowledge Source®
African-American author and teacher Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, who is considered to be the "Father of Black History," established the first Negro History Week in 1926.
Fifty years later, on the nation's bicentennial, this celebration of African-American heritage was extended to the entire month of February. A commemoration of the historical, cultural and contemporary roles of African Americans in the United States, Black History Month aspires to educate the nation on topics significant to the African-American experience, including slavery, segregation, and the civil-rights movements.
Tribute is paid to leaders, martyrs, soldiers, artists, authors, and heroes whose remarkable achievements in their respective fields represent the tragedies, triumphs and continuing struggles of the Black community.
In honor of Black History Month, February's Spotlight of the Month profiles renowned African Americans of both past and present, reflects on African-American history and culture, and highlights prominent sites of African-American heritage.
ARTICLES
1. African-Americans Continue Tradition of Distinguished Service
2. The Jamestown Story: The First Black Americans
3. National Parks That Preserve or Commemorate African Americans
4. Gospel According to Gullah
5. "I Have Seen the Promised Land"
WEB SITE
Say It Plain: A Century of Great African American Speeches
American Public Media
Read more articles from our Spotlights by logging on to our SIRS Knowledge Source® feature page. Note that the new month's content will not appear until the first of the new month.
SIRS Discoverer®
In February 1976, Americans celebrated the first Black History Month, formerly observed as Negro History Week. Black History Month honors African Americans and their history, culture, and heritage.
People across the nation learn and discuss topics such as slavery, segregation, and civil rights, and reflect on the many accomplishments and contributions of African Americans. This month, SIRS Discoverer pays tribute to the vital role of African Americans in shaping the nation's past and present.
Learn about significant events in the civil-rights movement, and meet noteworthy African Americans who helped to shape American history.
ARTICLES
1. A Long, Hard Trip to School
2. A Feeling in the Air
3. The Other Pioneers: African-Americans on the Frontier
4. Test Your Knowledge of Black History
5. Name That Inventor!
WEB SITE
Black History Timeline
Source: Scholastic
Read more
articles from the Spotlight of the Month by logging on to SIRS Discoverer®.
Monthly Events/Holidays
- Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
Read a short biography of Abraham Lincoln, our sixteenth president. Lincoln's rise from humble beginnings to the presidency is outlined.
- George Washington's Birthday
"George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born on February 22, 1732. Americans celebrate his birthday along with Abraham Lincoln's on President's Day--the Monday before Washington's and after Lincoln's birthday." (LOC) Read more about Washington here.
- Valentine's Day
This site explains the origins and current practices of Valentine's Day. Become a Valentine's Day expert on this page.
Spotlight of the Month topics are selected mainly from
Chase's Calendar of Events. Articles are also accessible within the main database and remain in our Teachable Moments newsletter archives for one year.
|
