February marks the start of Black History Month – a month of celebration of African Americans’ history and achievements. Created in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, February was chosen because of its proximity to the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas of whom both  played a role in advocating for the freedoms of African Americans. In this school, the event was celebrated with decorations and games. This year is its one-hundredth anniversary. 

In the building

    Black History Month has a different theme each year. The library takes that theme and plans around it. One year inventions were highlighted, another was general impact in society. 

   This year the theme, which is designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, is A Century of Black History Commemorations, the library will decorate accordingly. 

   According to the U.S. News & World Report, our school has roughly 477 minority students. It is important for staff all around the school that we make these students feel appreciated and celebrated for their history. The teachers have a diversity board where they discuss important matters like this one. 

   “We try to do that with all of the different celebratory days, Hispanic Heritage Month and stuff like that (other celebratory months), so that all the students that are here feel like their heritage is celebrated,” librarian Laurie Reidel said. 

Around the community

   Additionally, outside of school is filled with celebrations by local organizations and businesses for this month in the Liberty and KC area to acknowledge all people impacted by this month.

   The Garrison School Cultural Center, located on Water Street in Liberty Missouri hosts events which will celebrate poetry, literature and stories from Black authors. 

  A Black History Luncheon is hosted on Feb. 21 by the Black Archives of Mid-America in KC. Educational resources about Black History Month can be found at The KC Public library and BAMA as they collaborate to make themed and educational events. 

    In Liberty, Missouri, Black History Month is celebrated through initiatives by the Clay County African American Legacy Inc., including walking tours of historic sites, educational exhibits at the Garrison School Cultural Center, and honoring the legacy of African Americans buried at Fairview and New Hope cemeteries. These efforts highlight the local, deep-rooted Black history and community impact in Liberty.

     “Black History Month is a time to honor the strength, creativity, and resilience of Black individuals who’ve helped shape our culture, history, and communities. It reminds us to celebrate progress, recognize ongoing struggles, and continue working toward equality and understanding every day,” sophomore Isaiah Smith said.

Local Libraries

   The purpose of Black History Month, specifically in schools, is to represent black students and foster empathy from non-black students. Jazz music is also a historically foundational element of African American culture and according to York College, it rose to popularity in the 1920s. In downtown KC, each year a premier hub is hosted during the month of February at the 18th &  ine Jazz District.

  Black History Month is a celebration of the accomplishments by Black and African Americans and a tribute to the adversities they face in our nation’s history and present. Learn more about the contributions of Black artists and musicians, inventors and scientists, educators, athletes, and more through resources and events at Mid-Continent Public Library.   

How to get involved/learn more

   For education on more history and facts about Black History Month, the LMC has book recommendations displayed for all students to partake in.

   “Black history month is important to me because it’s a time to focus on the essential roles of African and African American leaders and recognize the real life struggles of the past. It’s also a good time to reflect and see just how far society has come in regard to civil rights,” sophomore Jackson Hodgkin said.

   Other places to learn more year round are the American Jazz Museum, and the African American Heritage Trail site. LMC, https://www.lps53.org/for-students/library-media, https://aahtkc.org/ and mid continent https://x.com/MCPLMO.