Black History Month, celebrated every February, honors the rich cultural heritage and significant contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Initiated in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, it expanded to a month-long observance in 1976. Woodson selected February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both pivotal figures in the fight against slavery.

This February is a time for reflection, celebration, and action as we honor Black History Month. The Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Committee of the Junior League Of Annapolis, Inc (JLA) invites you to use this month as  an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable achievements of Black female leaders who have shaped our nation’s history. From Sojourner Truth’s advocacy for abolition and women’s rights to Shirley Chisholm’s groundbreaking role as the first African American woman elected to Congress in 1968, these leaders have paved the way for future generations. 

For the Junior League Of Annapolis, Inc (JLA), this observance aligns seamlessly with our mission of advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

Black History Month is not just about remembering the past; it’s about acknowledging the legacy of those who came before us and using their stories as inspiration to drive meaningful change. From the activists of the Civil Rights Movement to trailblazers in arts, education, and innovation, the contributions of Black leaders have enriched every facet of our society. Their efforts mirror the values held dear by JLA:  resilience, inclusivity, and the pursuit of equity.

In Annapolis, the legacy of Black female leadership is both profound and inspiring. Cynthia Abney Carter made history as the first African American woman elected to the Annapolis City Council in 1997. Her dedication to community service and commitment to addressing youth crime have left an indelible mark on the city. At our recent JLA Galentine’s Day Brunch celebrating women in leadership on February 2nd, we recognized a diverse group of female leaders from around our community including Fort Meade Garrison Commander Colonel Yolanda Gore, Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad, both women of color and Anne Arundel County Fire Chief Trisha Wolford. These trailblazing, inspirational leaders are shattering glass ceilings and paving the way for the success of future generations of women. 

At JLA, we understand that celebrating diversity is essential to building strong and vibrant communities. Some of our members will be participating in a 10 day Equity Challenge this February, learning more about how to foster opportunities that promote understanding, uplift marginalized voices, and create lasting impact. 

If you missed out on the Galentine’s Brunch and the Equity Challenge here are some suggestions to engage with Black History Month:

VISIT:

The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC is a place where we can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it helped shape this nation. There is a huge range of exhibitions and events to offer. 

Closer to home there is also the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum in Annapolis. This is Maryland’s official museum of African American heritage. It serves to document, interpret, and promote African American history and culture in Maryland through exhibitions, programs, and projects in order to improve the understanding and appreciation of America’s rich cultural diversity for all.

Anne Arundel County Public Library offers a variety of events throughout February to commemorate Black History Month. For a comprehensive list of events and more details, please visit the Anne Arundel County Public Library’s Black History Month page.  

The Kunta Kinte – Alex Haley Memorial located at the City Dock in Annapolis.  This memorial, dedicated in 1999, is one of the few in the U.S. that acknowledges the exact location where enslaved Africans arrived. The memorial celebrates Alex Haley’s groundbreaking novel “Roots: The Saga of an American Family”. The book traces Haley’s ancestry back to Kunta Kinte, a Mandinka warrior from The Gambia, who was captured and enslaved in the late 18th century. “Roots” follows Kunta Kinte’s journey and the generations of his descendants, offering a deeply personal yet historically significant narrative of Black American history. 

READ: 

“Becoming” – Michelle Obama

A powerful memoir by the former First Lady, reflecting on her life, challenges, and impact.

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” – Maya Angelou

A classic coming-of-age memoir exploring race, identity, and resilience.

“The Color Purple” – Alice Walker

A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about sisterhood, resilience, and finding one’s voice. Also a fabulous movie. 

WATCH:

“Hidden Figures” (2016)

The true story of three Black female mathematicians at NASA who played a critical role in space exploration.

“Harriet” (2019)

A biopic about Harriet Tubman’s extraordinary life and her efforts to free enslaved people.

“Scandal” (2012-2018) – A fun TV show featuring a strong Black female lead – Kerry Washington – as Olivia Pope, a public relations expert that works with various clients in Washington, DC. 

SUPPORT: 

Make a decision to partner with or support local Black-owned businesses such as Spiced Black in Glen Burnie, a fast casual salad and grain bowl restaurant centered around Black heritage foods.  Also in Glen Burnie – Queen’s Sweet Treats – a dessert haven specializing in custom cakes and sweet treats.  JLA has no association with these establishments but we want to recognise them this month!

Share however you choose to mark Black History Month on our Facebook page or invite other JLA members to join you!  Together, we can honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a future rooted in understanding, unity, and hope.  Let’s continue to embrace our shared responsibility to create a world that values the contributions of every individual. Through our collective efforts, we can make a difference—not just during Black History Month, but every day of the year.