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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Black History Month
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada and more recently has been observed during October in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Black History Month marks achievements made by African Americans and is a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
2026 Black History Month Activities
STUDENT OF COLOR AFFINITY GROUP
DR. JOSEPH BONK'S ENGLISH STUDENTS designed a bulletin board featuring historical Black figures and artists with impactful quotes that resonated with the students.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
During lunch patterns, students engaged in trivia games about Black history and culture. A presentation spotlighting the accomplishments of Ruby Bridges, American civil rights activist, was displayed outside of the Student Center throughout the month of February.
Members of the Students of Color Affinity (SOCA) and other Mount students attended an impressionable and valuable field trip, sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association in Westfield.
Madeline Albrittain, World Languages Department Chairperson and SOCA Advisor, and Dr. Diana Artis, the Mount’s DEI Coordinator and CEO/Founder of Olive Branch Educators, served as chaperones.
“Tour guides Robert Lombard and Brad Chananie led an enlightening and educational tour, guiding us to various historic sites where we learned about the remarkable contributions made by African Americans in Westfield,” said Mrs. Albrittain. They also met Elizabeth Wolf, President of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association Executive Board.
“Our students made connections to their U.S History and English classes by seeing the former residences of Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston,” she said. “They also examined impacts of the Great Depression and the history of slavery in New Jersey by visiting Brightwood Park, formerly “Turkey Swamp” and Fairview Cemetery, respectively.”
When reflecting upon her experience, Uzoma Ononiwu ‘27 said, “On this trip, I was reminded that history surrounds us every day. Seeing these sites so close to us at the Mount emphasized to me the importance of learning about and honoring the stories of those who have shaped our community.”
SOCA also hosted a “Paint and Sip Lemonade” after school where Uzoma offered an informative presentation about the contributions, works, and artistic techniques of Alma Thomas, who was the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
During lunch patterns, students engaged in trivia games about Black history and culture. A presentation spotlighting the accomplishments of Ruby Bridges, American civil rights activist, was displayed outside of the Student Center throughout the month of February.
Resources for Black History Month have been shared by Mercy Education and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.
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