SFUSD Celebrates Black History 365 Days a Year

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) launched “Negro History Week” to promote the studying of Black American history as a discipline and to celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans. As a school district that values diversity, we believe Black History should be celebrated 365 days a year — 366 in a leap year.

The diverse histories, experiences, stories and voices of Black people should be recognized, honored, and uplifted every day. We recognize the importance, relevance and origins of Black History Month and value the fundamental opportunity Black History Month offers schools to further acknowledge African Americans as critical to the past, present and future.

Although we have made progress in our efforts to reach each and every SFUSD student, we know that there are still persistent gaps in access, experiences and outcomes of our Black students in our district, city and country.

We are proud that there are many examples of how students, staff, school sites and school communities in SFUSD are uplifting the achievements and history of Black Americans all year and especially during the month of February. We look forward to seeing how each and every single one of our school sites celebrates Black History Month.

We will continue to update this blog post with events, activities/opportunities, and resources, so please check back soon!


Events

• All February: More Than a Month 2023 at the San Francisco Public Library
• Feb. 3: Black History Month Kick-Off at City Hall
• Feb. 4: AAALI Town Hall at the Garden Room at Thrive City, Chase Center
• Feb. 9: Dreaming Forward: A Celebration of Black Joy, Power, and Excellence at the Commonwealth Club
• Feb. 16: 28th Annual African American Honor Roll Celebration & 19th Community Awards Ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral

Activities/Opportunities

• The 43rd Annual Oratorical/Musical Contest: “African American Millennial Champions for Health, Equality, and Diversity": Apply by Feb. 17
• The 24th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Composition & Art Contest: Apply by Feb. 20
• San Francisco Alliance of Black School Educators (SFABSE) Annual Scholarship: Apply by Mar. 14

Resources

• SFUSD Black History Month Resource Guide
• SF Loves Learning Black History Month Resources
• African American Achievement Leadership Initiative (AAALI)
• African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC)