The origin of Black History Month in the United States started in 1915 in Chicago by the hand of author and historian, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Woodson's small black history exhibit at the 50th national emancipation anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C.would soon evolve into an organization called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History), promoting the scientific study of black life and achievements. In February 1926, the first Negro History Week would be celebrated, and in 1986, Congress would name February as the National Black History Month with the purpose of celebrating the achievements of African American people in every field, and to shed light on the hardships and unequal opportunity that African American people have suffered in America.
It is now 2023, and Black Americans nationwide are still fighting against hardships of unequal opportunity, discrimination, and the endangerment and shortening of our lives by systems deeply rooted in American history. This year's theme for Black History Month, as recognized by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, is Black Resistance.
Here in the Southwest Crossing Community, we have demonstrated our resistance towards environmental racism and oppression from powerful companies like CenterPoint Energy, who have endangered our families and children's lives by installing their 300,000 gallon propane facility behind our homes.
The fight for environmental justice didn't start in Southwest Crossing, but in Warren County, North Carolina in 1982, with the residents who fought to protect their community from becoming a chemical landfill.
Today, the fight for environmental justice continues as communities of color all across America fight for their right to healthy and safe environments for the children and families in the community, and we in Southwest Crossing celebrate and stand in solidarity with communities all over the world who are also fighting for environmental justice.
Here is a look at our Southwest Crossing community fight for environmental justice during Black History Month 2023:
1. February 14th, 2023:
Our Fight For Environmental Justice Published On USA Today:
Fun Fact:
February 14th is the birthday of abolitionist, author, and publisher Frederick Douglass, who's birthday inspired the month of February as Black History Month alongside Abraham Lincoln who was born February 12th. These two figures were celebrated on their birthdays for their contributions to African American liberation and civil rights.
2. February 15th, 2023:
Our Story On Fox 26 News: Isaiah Factor: Uncensored
3. February 27th, 2023:
Our Story On Houston's Historic 1230 KCOH Radio Station with Paris Eley
Fun Fact:
1230 KCOH is a historic Houston radio station that first aired in 1948 as KNUZ, a Top 40 formatted station. KCOH Radio originally had its home on 1430 AM at the Looking Glass Studios at 5011 Almeda since its launch in 1953. In 2019, KCOH returned to its heritage format that aired in Houston from 1953 to 2013 on 1430 KCOH.
Our SWC community is grateful to everyone who has helped us during our fight for environmental justice. We are all stronger together and when we stand up to fight injustice in unity, we make change, and that change makes history for the world and the generations to come. Let's keep fighting for meaningful and ethical change!
Keep the faith and keep fighting. Happy Black History Month.
Resources Referenced:
Black History Month:
CenterPoint Energy:
Environmental Justice History:
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