As our country celebrates Black History Month, we take this opportunity to remind ourselves that the history of efforts to organize an annual recognition of the place of Black Americans in the story of our country can be dated back to 1915.
That year saw the founding of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) on September 9, 1915. Today, that responsibility has been passed to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®).
On February 10, 1976, during the United States Bicentennial, President Gerald R. Ford became the first president to issue a message recognizing Black History Month. Then, in 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244, designating February as Black History Month.
The Passionists of Holy Cross Province have been engaged in ministry and education with Black families of the Birmingham, Alabama, area for nearly 90 years. We committed to a Passionist presence there in 1938 because it is part of our mission to walk with those who are suffering and marginalized. We are called to stand in solidarity with the crucified of today, those enduring the pain of racism, poverty and exclusion.
Today, many of the those who grew up in Holy Family and St. Mary’s parishes and schools have become part of a generation of leaders helping to write the history of Black culture in the United States.
We are especially grateful to those in Birmingham whose steadfast witness, service and support of Holy Family and St. Mary’s have helped nurture voices and vision that continue to enrich Black culture and advance the work of justice across our nation.
