This February, First 5 LA joins families and communities across Los Angeles in celebrating Black History Month. Originally conceived in 1926 as a way of preserving and sharing Black life, history, and culture, the event received its federal designation from Congress in 1986. Today, Black History Month offers the opportunity to reflect on the indelible contributions of Black Americans and the ongoing fight for equality.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) selected this year’s theme, African Americans and Labor, as a way of highlighting the many ways that work in all its forms — “free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary” — has shaped this country and its economy. Enslaved people built the country’s early infrastructure — including the White House — and served as the economic engine in agriculture and other industries. Today, Black workers account for 13% of all U.S. workers, including those who work full-time, part-time and are self-employed.

But ASALH and others also note that, while celebrating the many accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans, it’s important to remember the injustices, challenges and obstacles they faced. Because Black history, as Harvard professor Imani Perry noted, is the history of labor, filled with exploitation, discrimination and poor work conditions. Today, these issues persist in the systemic racism that Black Americans face in employment.

“Black history is American history,” said President Barack Obama during a 2016 Black History Month event. He encouraged the audience to regard the annual event as more than just a simple commemoration of accomplishments and milestones:

It’s about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so we can create a better future. It’s a reminder of where we as a country have been so that we know where we need to go.

Today, the American experience is richer, vaster and more vibrant because of Black Americans, whose contributions can be felt in every aspect of our everyday lives, from medicine and education to the arts, from culture and sports to science and technology.

As L.A. families and their children endure in the aftermath of the L.A. wildfires and shifting political and social climates, First 5 LA stands proudly with our communities focused on the future. The work will be significant, making this year’s Black History Month theme that much more profound as we come together to recover and thrive. To learn more about Black History Month observances and celebrations, please visit our curated list of events below.

 




First 5 LA Thanks Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for Speeding Rebuilding and Recovery in Wake of LA Fires

First 5 LA President and CEO Releases Statement on L.A. County Fires

Jan 16, 2025

January 15, 2025 Dear, Los Angeles County Community, First and foremost, I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe. Our hearts go out to the members of our community and their loved ones who have been impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles...

L.A. County Wildfire Recovery Resources

L.A. County Wildfire Recovery Resources

Jan 14, 2025

First 5 LA has created a dedicated resource page to help families, communities and partners navigate and access the available services and supports related to the Palisades and Eaton Fires. This webpage will be updated as new information becomes available. Emergency...

Translate