February was first officially designated as Black History Month by President Ford in 1976.  The origin of the celebration began in 1926 as Negro History Week.   It was expanded to a month in the 1940’s in West Virginia.  By the mid 1960’s in Chicago, several events were held throughout the month to highlight the contributions and accomplishments of Black people.   February was chosen as the month because both Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass were born in February.
You can find a wide range of events celebrating the month in St. Louis this year by calling or visiting the web sites of the MO History Museum, St. Louis County Library, and the St. Louis Symphony.   Even easier than that and closer to home, The Peace and Justice Ministry of MMOC invites you to view the display of prominent Black people we have created in the parish hall.  Contributed by Kim Blackford.  Interested in joining the Peace and Justice Ministry?  Call or text Saralou Hendrickson at 314-440-2020