#TBT in the Archives 2/18/16: Black History Week

In the early 1970s, before Black History Month became a month-long celebration, the Afro-American Club on campus held events every February to celebrate Black History Week. The events ranged from speakers to talent shows to dinners.

Black History Week schedule of events, 1975

The events held throughout Black History Week allowed members of the campus community to connect with one another and celebrate black heritage. The week focused on raising awareness of African American culture and history. In 1976 for example, the Afro-American Club held a performance that showcased traditional African dance and music.

Black History Week performance, 1976

Black History Week performance, 1976

By sharing traditional African food, stories, and more with the Shippensburg State College community, the students of the Afro-American Club worked to raise cultural consciousness and promote an appreciation of diversity on campus.

Afro-American Club, 1973

Want to learn more about Ship's history? No need to wait for the next Throwback Thursday! Contact Archives & Special Collections via e-mail: specialcollections@ship.edu or phone: 717-477-1516.

February is Black History Month (African American History Month)

Black History Month @ Lehman Library

The display is located in lower level lobby through the month of February.

Excerpted from the Library of Congress http://www.loc.gov/law/help/commemorative-observations/african-american.php

"National African American History Month in February celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our Nation's history.

National African American History Month had its origins in 1915 when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This organization is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (“ASALH”). Through this organization Dr. Woodson initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926. Dr. Woodson selected the week in February that included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in the history of African Americans. 

In 1975, President Ford issued a Message on the Observance of Black History Week urging all Americans to "recognize the important contribution made to our nation's life and culture by black citizens." In 1976 this commemoration of black history in the United States was expanded by ASALH to Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, and President Ford issued the first Message on the Observance of Black History Month that year. In subsequent years, Presidents Carter and Reagan continued to issue Messages honoring African American History Month. 

In 1986 Congress passed Public Law 99-244 (PDF, 142KB) which designated February 1986 as "National Black (Afro-American) History Month.” This law noted that February 1, 1986 would “mark the beginning of the sixtieth annual public and private salute to Black History.” The law further called upon to President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe February 1986 as Black History Month with the appropriate ceremonies and activities. President Reagan issued Presidential Proclamation 5443 which proclaimed that “the foremost purpose of Black History Month is to make all Americans aware of this struggle for freedom and equal opportunity.” This proclamation stated further that this month was a time “to celebrate the many achievements of African Americans in every field from science and the arts to politics and religion."

In January 1996, President Clinton issued Presidential Proclamation 6863 for “National African American History Month." The proclamation emphasized the theme for that year, the achievements of black women from Sojourner Truth to Mary McLeod Bethune and Toni Morrison. In February 1996 the Senate passed Senate Resolution 229 commemorating Black History Month and the contributions of African American U.S. Senators.

Since 1996, Presidents have issued annual proclamations for National African American History Month. On February 1, 2011 President Obama issued a Proclamation reflecting on this year’s theme of “African Americans and the Civil War” as we commemorate the sesquicentennial of the beginning of the Civil War."

The Top 10 Banned Books that Changed the Face of Black History

In honor of Black History Month, Lehman Library brings you The Top 10 Banned Books that Changed the Face of Black History (from the NCAC).

Inspired by the blog post from the National Coalition Against Censorship, this special topics list shares fiction and nonfiction works—often banned or censored for personal, ideological, or political reasons—that have shaped the Black American narrative through "important stories of survival in the south during slavery, black struggle in the north during the bustling 20s and 30s, and the search for identity that many faced in the twentieth century." Check out the Top 10 Banned Books that Changed the Face of Black History at Lehman Library today!

#TBT in the Archives 2/26/15

The Black SSCene, November 1975

The Black SSCene was a Shippensburg State College (SSC) underground newspaper that was produced in the late 1970s by African American students. These images are the first productions of the newspaper, which premiered in November 1975. Giving voice to black students, the editor's statement on the front page proclaims, "we, the Brothers and Sisters of SSC, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice...do hereby create and perpetuate the BLACK SCCENE."

The Black SSCene was the first SSC periodical that discussed black student issues, activities, and events on campus and was intended for readers of all races and ethnic backgrounds. This issue in particular addresses the lack of unity among black students, explaining that the key to unity is communication. The Black SSCene's creation and publication was just one step towards bridging this gap. Other articles highlight black students on campus such as Gwen Brown, the first "Sweetheart" of the Alpha Beta Omega fraternity; poetry; music reviews; sports; and civil rights and race relations at the national level.

The complete November 1975 issue of the Black SSCene, along with two other issues, are available to view in the University Archives & Special Collections at Ezra Lehman Memorial Library.

Want to learn more about Ship's history? No need to wait for the next Throwback Thursday! Visit Archives & Special Collections during our open research hours, or contact us via e-mail: specialcollections@ship.edu or phone: 717-477-1516.

#TBT in the Archives 2/19/15

March for Humanity, 1990

This Throwback Thursday, in honor of Black History Month, we would like to look back on the roles of African American students in Ship's campus community. On January 26, 1990 over 100 marchers participated in the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March for Humanity, which was sponsored by the African American Organization. The marchers chanted "Stand by our side, keep the dream alive!" as they traveled across campus. Their final destination was the Old Main Chapel where a memorial service was held with remarks from coordinator Tyrome Smith and President Ceddia, followed by speaker Rev. Belgium Baxter from Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church in Harrisburg. The university continues to hold marches and events in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The 27th March for Humanity was held this past January.

Want to learn more about Ship's history? No need to wait for the next Throwback Thursday! Visit Archives & Special Collections during our open research hours, or contact us via e-mail: specialcollections@ship.edu or phone: 717-477-1516.



Source: "Afro-Am tribute march proves to be quite successful," Slate 34, no. 13, January 30, 1990, University Archives & Special Collections, Ezra Lehman Memorial Library, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA.

Dr. Kirk Moll - Feb. 27 at Noon - Black History Month Speaker

Dr. Steven Burg - Feb. 20 at Noon - Black History Month Speaker

Black History Month - Dr. David Lovett - Feb 15, 11 am

Join Ship Library for a Black History Month Speaker Series

Celebrate Black History Month

Ship Library, in conjunction with Ship's MLK Program students, have created a display on the lower level of the Library honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.  Please stop by during the month of February to see this exhibit.  Learn more about MLK and about Ship's MLK Program.

More information and more photos.