As Lines for Life celebrates Black History Month, it is important to learn the history behind this celebration of the culture and strength of Black Americans as well as their countless contributions to this country.
This February, we highlight the accomplishments of Black Americans that have defined history as well as Lines for Life staff and community partners making change right now, in our communities.
It Started as a Week
Historian Carter Woodson and minister Jesse Moorland founded what we know today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1915. This organization established Negro History week, inspiring communities to organize local celebrations.
February Was Chosen for a Reason
Negro History Week was celebrated during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
A Week Becomes a Month
The impacts of the civil rights movement in the 1960s brought national attention to Negro History Week and, in 1976, then-President Gerald Ford officially designated February as Black History Month.
Honoring Influential Black Changemakers
As we come together to reflect and celebrate this February, we are highlighting some influential Black changemakers throughout history – we encourage you to read about the people we are honoring this Black History Month on our blog!
2023 Healing Summit: Coming Together – Youth & Community Empowerment
To honor Black History Month in Portland’s Black and Brown communities, Lines for Life is excited to partner with Multnomah County Health Department to host the 2023 Healing Summit: Coming Together – Youth & Community Empowerment! Located at Portland Community College’s Cascade Campus, this event is an opportunity for Portland’s youth, young adults, and communities of color to come together to express concerns, grief, and trauma.
Right now, more than ever, we must address the impacts of gun violence, stigma, and racial trauma by inspiring strength through community. Educational workshops, community collaboration, and culturally tailored resources will leave Portland’s communities of color empowered and uplift their voices to promote healing and drive positive and lasting change.
We are honored to be joined by a diverse list of partner organizations and individuals that will help us address the negative impacts of community violence. We encourage you to visit their websites to learn more about the ways our community organizations are inspiring change.
- Coalition of African and African American Pastors
- Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center
- Providence
- Erica’s Soul Food
- Trimet
- OHSU Students
- NxNE
- Healthy Birth Initiative
- Multnomah County Family Services
- Multnomah County Behavioral Health Gun Violence Prevention
