Feb. 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to highlight and celebrate Black history, community and culture, and to recognize the sacrifices of Black Americans. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) announces a new theme each year; the 2023 theme is Black Resistance.
The origins of this occasion date back to February 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson first established a week-long celebration to showcase the contributions and accomplishments of Black Americans, which later evolved into the month-long celebration it is today. The son of formerly enslaved people, Woodson was a distinguished historian and scholar and founded the ASALH.
In regard to this year’s theme, “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms, and police killings since our arrival upon these shores,” the ASALH states on their website. “These efforts have been to advocate for a dignified self-determined life in a just democratic society in the United States and beyond the United States political jurisdiction.
“This is a call to everyone, inside and outside the academy, to study the history of Black Americans’ responses to establish safe spaces, where Black life can be sustained, fortified, and respected.”
Sonoma County is honoring Black History Month through community events, performances, discussions and more.
Feb. 4–Walk & Talk featuring Diane Ferlatte
The Petaluma River Park Foundation in partnership with Petaluma Blacks for Community Development welcomes renowned international storyteller Diane Ferlatte. The website reads, “Diane and her musical sidekick, Erik Pearson, will join us at the Petaluma River Park for an hour of interactive and family-friendly storytelling under the comfort of an enclosed tent.” Event will be held at Petaluma River Park from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. For more information on Diane and the event, visit petalumariverpark.org.
Feb. 8–BSU Fundraiser at Chipotle
Feb. 18–Community Town Hall; Amplifying Black Voices in Sonoma County
This Town Hall will provide a space for discussion among Black students, staff, faculty and community members of the Black diaspora in Sonoma County. Attendees are encouraged to listen, learn and share their experiences and thoughts on navigating their Black experience in Sonoma County. Event will be held at Stevenson Hall 1400 on the SSU campus, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, email austindi@sonoma.edu.
Feb. 19–Art in Conversation: Black Resistance in Contemporary Art at Museum of Sonoma County
Feb. 28–Black Joy Fest
The SSU Hub Cultural Center website states, “Resilience, resistance, and perseverance have been focal points of Black liberation, but there’s a more positive side, too: Black liberation is about Black folks experiencing joy. As influential ‘joymakers’ put it, Black people have always experienced joy, even long before a more recent visible movement started highlighting joy online and in real life. The first annual Black Joy Fest aims to promote unity on campus, celebrate the journey and progression of Black history, as well as engage in cross-cultural exchange.” Event will be held at Seawolf Plaza on the SSU campus, from noon to 1:30 p.m. For more information about this event or to participate, email gomezs@sonoma.edu.
Visit sonomalibrary.org for more events and Black History Month resources available.
