Section 1003.42(2)(h), Florida Statutes, mandates instruction on the history of African Americans, including the history of African peoples before the political conflicts that led to the development of slavery, the passage to America, the enslavement experience, abolition, and the contributions of African Americans to society per the Next Generation Sunshine State Social Studies Standards.

In the Charlotte County Public Schools, we highlight the contributions of African Americans, with daily announcements, during Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by Blacks and a time for recognizing the central role of Blacks in U.S. history. This celebration evolved from "Negro History Week," a commemoration that began in 1926, when Black historian, Carter Godwin Woodson, established the event. Woodson deliberately chose the second week of February for "Negro History Week" because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (b. 1809) and Frederick Douglass (b. 1818). He felt these two men were greatly influential in the lives of African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. President has officially designated the month of February as “Black History Month.” Other nations including Canada and the United Kingdom devote a month to celebrating black history.

In addition, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the 2022 Black History Month Student and Educator Contests. The theme this year is ‘Celebrating African-American Contributions to Florida’s History’.

You can find more information on this contest HERE.