Black History Month
Share Learn Celebrate
The Share, Learn, and Celebrate initiative is designed to acknowledge, educate, and embed multicultural awareness in our diverse communities. Through Share, Learn, and Celebrate we hope to heighten awareness, knowledge and understanding through the engagement of Archdiocesan parishes, ministries, and the faithful in relevant activities. Participants will be encouraged to share the achievements, identity, beauty, richness, and importance of each of our cultural communities as part of particular celebratory and historically significant occasions. Please see the recommended resources to Share, Learn, and Celebrate Black History Month.
History of Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration which commemorates Black Americans’ achievements, honors their contributions to the United States and the world, and recognizes their crucial role in U.S. history. In 1926, this celebration was created by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson. During the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford extended the celebration to a month.
The National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family
The National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family happens on the First Sunday of Black History Month. Download the resource aid here.
A Sign of Hope
The USCCB’s subcommittee on African American Affairs and the Saint John Paul II National Shrine invite you to the inauguration of a new temporary display on Saint John Paul II’s historic meetings with the Black Catholic communities of New Orleans in 1987 on February 19, 2025. This display is titled “A Sign of Hope: Pope John Paul II’s meetings with the Black Catholic communities in New Orleans,” and it features photos and objects from the Shrine’s collection and from Xavier University of Louisiana that testify to the unique importance of the late pope’s visit.
RSVP here.
Documentary film, A Place at the Table: Parishes and ministries are invited to host a screening of the documentary film, A Place at the Table, which tells the story of the lives of our church’s first six Black Americans to be considered for sainthood and the efforts to canonize them. Learn more about these outstanding men and women and hear of their lives of faith. We can make a difference by sharing their stories, contributions, and impact on the lives of so many. The Archdiocese of Washington has obtained permission to show the film; thus, we encourage you to host a screening event and engage your parish, school, and communities. Click here to reserve your Place at the Table . For more information please email Karen Fowler at [email protected]
To learn more and celebrate Black History Month in our nation, check out the recommendations and resources below.