By Abigail Payne
Black History Month in St. Petersburg had a productive start this 2017.
For the second year in a row, Mayor Rick Kriseman rose the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum flag above City Hall. The event took place on Feb. 1, 2017, to jump start Black History Month.
It represented the hard work that Dr. Woodson was able to put forth for the recognition of African American History.
“Dr. Carter G. Woodson is the father of black history month,” Terri Lipsey Scott said.
Black History Month was originally known as Negro History and Literature Week.
According to the attendants, Woodson was the reason to celebrate this month due to his efforts dating back to 1926. The acknowledgment and recognition of this cultural history are integral to the history of St. Petersburg.
In the event, participated members of ASALAH and Omega Psi Phi, two organizations that had tied with Dr. Woodson. There were also students from Mt. Zion Progressive Christian Academy; author Jon Wilson and Gwendolyn Reese from the African American Heritage Trails of St. Petersburg, among many of the community’s entrepreneurs, artists, and public figures.
It is important for the young populace of the community to see that African-American History is recognized and that they learn the rich history that shaped the city as it is now.
With the reminder that there are failing schools in Pinellas County, all predominantly African American, history as powerful as the one of this city should be exalted to revamp those institutions.