February is Black History Month, a celebration of Black American contributions to our country. As President Biden said in his Proclamation on National Black History Month, 2024:

Throughout our history, Black Americans have never given up on the promise of America. Unbowed by the forces of hate and undaunted as they fought for centuries against slavery, segregation, and injustice, Black Americans have held a mirror up to our Nation, allowing our country to confront hard truths about who we are and pushing us to live up to our founding ideals. They have helped redeem the soul of our Nation, ensuring the promises in our founding documents were not just words on a page but a lived reality for all people. In the process, the vibrancy of Black history and culture has enriched every aspect of American life.

Learn more with books and videos from our collection and check out these sites for more information:

• History.com – Black History Month
• Infoplease – Black History
• Library of Congress – Black History Month
• Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG)
• Minnesota Historical Society – African Americans in Minnesota
• Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture – Black History Month