Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month

Wilson Community College is proud to celebrate Black History Month during the month of February.

Check back throughout the month for more facts and events.

Interesting Facts

  • The celebration of Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher. It became a month-long celebration in 1976.  Read more about how this observance began.
  • The Greensboro sit-in was an act of nonviolent protest against a segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, that began on February 1, 1960. The sit-in was organized by Ezell Blair, Jr. (later Jibreel Khazan), Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, and David Richmond—all African Americans and all students at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro. Its success led to a wider sit-in movement, organized primarily by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), that spread throughout the South. Read more about the Greensboro sit-in.
  • Dr. Mae Jemison became the first African-American woman to go to space, boarding the space shuttle Endeavour in 1992. Read more about Dr. Mae Jemison.
  • Garrett Morgan invented the 3-position traffic signal in 1922. Though Morgan’s was not the first traffic signal, it was an important innovation nonetheless, as it had a third position besides just “Stop” and “Go,” allowing it to regulate crossing vehicles more safely than earlier signals. Read more about Garrett Morgan.
  • George Crum, a chef and restaurateur is said to have unintentionally created the potato chip during the summer of 1853. They were made in response to a customer who sent back their fried potatoes after complaining they were too thick. The crisps were an instant hit and are arguably one of the best snacks worldwide. Read more on George Crum.

Spotlights

Addison N. Scurlock American photographer and businessman who was prominent in the early and mid-20th century for photographing the black elite in Washington, D.C.     Mary Church Terrell Renowned educator and speaker who campaigned fearlessly for women’s suffrage and social equality of African Americans.

Hattie McDaniel The first African American performer to win an Academy Award - the film industry’s highest honor - for her role in Gone with the Wind.    Robert Johnson He became the first African American billionaire when he sold Black Entertainment Television (BET), the cable station he founded, in 2001.

Books

The A. Dwight Johnson Learning Resource Center has a variety of print books showcasing Black History Month. Visit the Library today to check out one of our titles.

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Severe Weather Alert

Due to the threat of severe weather, the College will be closed on Friday, September 27, 2024.