Mary Elizabeth Roselle Glover
By Dennis Richmond Jr
Black History Month is a time when people across the world celebrate and remember African and African-American history. It was created during the Harlem Renaissance in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, with the first month being celebrated 44 years later in 1970. It wasn’t until President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976 that people started to celebrate it across the country.
I am honored to be working on a series of articles for Yonkers Times, both online and in print, about Black History Month because across the country, this history is being erased. Thousands of people and hundreds of organizations are fighting to erase, suppress, and ignore Black History. As a middle school teacher and a writer, I’m all about facts, and that’s what I’ll be bringing this month: facts.
It’s important to know your history, especially your Black History. Learning about Black History creates an understanding of diversity. Many people appreciate the contributions of others in our society. Learning about Black History may assist in combating racism. When people know where certain stereotypes come from, they might understand why people still say certain things today. Lastly, learning about Black History is empowering. Folks across the world have the opportunity to learn pieces of history that are often forgotten.
I leave you with a picture of my great-great-great-grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Roselle Glover. Grandma Glover took the picture that you see in Greenwich, Connecticut, circa 1900.
Stay tuned for more articles during our Black History Month Series!
Dennis Richmond, Jr., M.S.Ed.
Author, He Spoke At My School
