Although a short month, February holds many observances: Chinese New Year, Groundhog Day and Valentine’s Day (or Single Awareness Day for some). But one to be honored, especially this year, is Black History Month. In fact, this year marks the sesquicentennial (that’s 150 years…don’t worry, we had to look that up, too) of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.
Here’s a little history lesson:
On January 1, 1863—150 years ago—Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, setting the U.S. on a path to end slavery. One century later, in 1963, more than 200,000 Americans gathered for a political rally known as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, calling for African American civil and economic rights. The march ended at the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his celebrated “I Have a Dream” speech for equality and racial justice.
To help celebrate, XFINITY On Demand and online has content such as:
- A cinema collection (The Color Purple, Malcolm X, Amistad, The Help and Do The Right Thing);
- TV One’s “The Black List” (a compilation of interviews with influential black Americans, including former Secretary of State Colin Powell, comic Chris Rock and playwright Suzan-Lori Parks);
- Sports heroes (ESPN give highlights on some of the greatest African American athletes in history with special documentaries);
- and history and bios from the Biography Channel (highlighting iconic figures like Barack Obama and Halle Berry).
And, be sure to check out one or all three museums in or around Denver focused on African American history and culture.
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