Black History Month

The Guy-Perkins School District is proud to join our nation in honoring February as Black History Month. The celebratory month, also known as National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in the story of the United States of America.

Founded by historian Carter G. Woodson, black history week was first celebrated on Feb. 12, 1926, to commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent. The date coincides with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. 

During the U.S. bicentennial in 1976, black history week was expanded to a month-long celebration. Since then, U.S. presidents have designated February as National African-American History Month.

Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As a school district whose philosophy is providing a great education for all children—no exceptions—we champion this month as an additional opportunity to educate our students about the triumph of African American History, and the work ahead of us as a nation to achieve educational equality.  

Dr. Joe Fisher, Superintendent