• Home
    • About the Library
    • Law Library Rules & Policies
    • Brochures, Flyers, & Outreach Materials
    • About Robert W. Hainsworth
    • Contact Us
    • Ask A Librarian
    • Copy Center
    • LAWPod
    • Legal Tech Institute
    • Notary Services
    • Tours & Speaker Services
    • Library Catalog
    • Library Collection
    • eBook Collection
    • Remote Database Access
    • Research Guides by Topic
    • Ex Libris Juris - A Blog
    • Digital Exhibits
    • Finding Legal Help
    • Finding Forms and Templates
    • Legal Guides by Topics
    • Community Resources
    • Pro Se Litigant Handbooks
    • Contact Information
    • Ask a Librarian
    • Upcoming Events
    • LAWPods
Menu

Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library

1019 Congress
Houston, Texas 77002
7137555183

Harris County Law Library

Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library

  • Home
  • About Us
    • About the Library
    • Law Library Rules & Policies
    • Brochures, Flyers, & Outreach Materials
    • About Robert W. Hainsworth
    • Contact Us
  • Services
    • Ask A Librarian
    • Copy Center
    • LAWPod
    • Legal Tech Institute
    • Notary Services
    • Tours & Speaker Services
  • Library Resources
    • Library Catalog
    • Library Collection
    • eBook Collection
    • Remote Database Access
    • Research Guides by Topic
    • Ex Libris Juris - A Blog
    • Digital Exhibits
  • Legal Help & Info
    • Finding Legal Help
    • Finding Forms and Templates
    • Legal Guides by Topics
    • Community Resources
    • Pro Se Litigant Handbooks
  • Connecting with Us
    • Contact Information
    • Ask a Librarian
    • Upcoming Events
    • LAWPods
Ex Libris Juris title graphic 2021.png

Ex Libris Juris - HCLL Blog

Black History Month—History, Themes, and Ways to Celebrate

February 1, 2021 Guest User
Image by Oberholster Venita from Pixabay

Image by Oberholster Venita from Pixabay

First officially recognized in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, Black History Month (also known as African-American History Month) was intended to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” However, Black History Month can trace its origins back to 1926, when the organization known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) “sponsored a national Negro History week . . . choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.” (For additional details, see the ASALH webpage “Origins of Black History Month.”)

Since 1928, there have been themes associated with this annual recognition, and “the themes reflect changes in how people of African descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the black community.” The theme of 2021 is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” ASALH is hosting a 2021 Virtual Black History Month Festival, and “[s]everal events are free and open to the public on ASALH TV, the association’s premier YouTube channel.” Check out the schedule of events or register for the Marquee Event, which is titled, “A Conversation with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham.” The National Museum of African American History & Culture is also hosting a series of virtual events, beginning tomorrow evening with a program called, “400 Souls—A Conversation with Ibram Kendi and Keisha N. Blain.”

For those interested in reading, we’ve included below some recommended books for Black History Month and beyond from a few different sources:

  • Goodreads: 2021 Black History Month Books

  • The Oprah Magazine: 44 of the Best Books by Black Authors You Should Read in Your Lifetime

  • The New York Society Library: Black History Month 2021: Recent Books on African American History, Literature & More

  • Bookmiser: Celebrate Black History Month 2021

For the rest of February, watch for weekly Ex Libris Juris blog posts in recognition of Black History Month.

In Events Tags African American History
← Give Scammers the Brush-OffThe Great Gatsby - Now Even Greater →
You must select a collection to display.
Back to Top

Notice: Website Updates

Our website is currently undergoing updates to improve navigation, accessibility, and content. During this time, some pages may be temporarily relocated or revised. We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance your experience. If you need help locating a resource, please contact us through our Ask A Librarian form.

Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library, 1019 Congress Street, 1st Floor, Houston, Texas 77002

We are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The library is a division of the Office of the Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee. The content of this Website is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

Site Map | Home | Law Library Rules & Policies | Subscribe to our Newsletter

Ask a Librarian