On February 5, 2024, Weequahic High School in Newark marked the 100th anniversary of Black History Month with a ceremony featuring the annual raising of the Black Liberation Flag. The event included a libation to honor ancestors, the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and discussions about the significance of the flag’s colors—red, black, and green. Students and faculty gathered to reflect on the importance of Black History Month and to celebrate the contributions of Black individuals to society.
The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who initiated a weeklong celebration in February 1926. Woodson, often referred to as the “Father of Black History,” sought to highlight the achievements of Black Americans that were frequently overlooked in mainstream education. By the 1970s, due to advocacy from Black student activists and community leaders, the week-long observance evolved into a month-long celebration, officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976.
Honoring Legacy and Community Impact
During the ceremony, Bashir Muhammad Ptah Akinyele, a history teacher at Weequahic, emphasized the importance of understanding Africa’s contributions to humanity. “You cannot examine history without understanding that Africa and its people are the progenitors of humanity and civilization,” he stated. “It is absolutely necessary that all human beings know about the contributions Black people made to the development of religions, democracy, and American and world civilization.”
Members of the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition also participated in this year’s flag-raising ceremony. Akinyele, who co-founded the coalition in 2009, highlighted the role of Black history in resolving community violence issues. “Black history was so important to the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition, we made the Amistad Law a major part of our demands,” he explained. The Amistad Law requires public schools to incorporate Black history across all subjects.
Throughout February, Weequahic High School plans to host various activities to celebrate Black History Month. These include a door decorating contest beginning on February 16 and a Pride Assembly scheduled for February 26.
Newark Public Library’s Black History Month Events
The Newark Public Library is also contributing to the celebration with a series of events, including film screenings, panel discussions, and author talks. The library’s festivities will start with a conversation led by author Rain Pryor on February 7, at 14:00 in the James Brown African American Room. Pryor will explore themes from her memoir, “Jokes My Father Never Taught Me.”
Additionally, historian Junius Williams will interview author Peter D. Blackmer about his book, “Unleashing Black Power: Grassroots Organizing in Harlem and the Advent of the Long, Hot Summers,” on February 5 at 18:00. A film screening of the documentary “The One and Only Dick Gregory” is also scheduled, featuring a discussion with Dr. Christian Gregory, the son of the legendary activist, and local civil rights leader Larry Hamm on February 14 at 12:30.
This year’s Black History Celebration exhibit, curated by Reggie Blanding Jr. and Kehinde Alonge, is titled “What’s So Funny?!: Black Comedy in America from Vaudeville to Right Now.” The exhibit chronicles the evolution of Black comedy from its early stages in Vaudeville to contemporary online performances.
For more information on the Black History Month celebrations at the Newark Public Library, visit their official website.
