Celebrate Black History Month in Kingsport, TN

Celebrate Black History Month in Kingsport, TN

Black History Month is a significant annual celebration that talks about the achievements of Black Americans. It is incredibly significant because it speaks volumes of the role played by the Black Americans in the USA.  It is also called African American History Month. It has been an important event, and it was given birth by the famous historian Carter G. Woodson and many other prominent African Americans. Since the year 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month. Other countries like Canada, Netherlands, and the UK have also begun to celebrate Black History Month.

Origin:

The origin of Black History Month dates to the year 1915, after the abolishment of slavery in the USA. That same year, when Carter G. Woodson, a famous historian, along with his friend, minister Jesse E. Moorland created the Association for studying Negro Life and its History or known as the ASNLH. The association intentionally chose the month of February because it coincides with the birthdays of prominent figures, Abraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass. Since then, it has inspired many schools, communities, and other organizations to celebrate this month by hosting celebrations, lectures, performances, and other such events.

Celebration in Kingsport:

Kingsport is a famous city in Tennessee known for hosting many events during Black African Month. Places like the South-Central Kingsport Community Development, Lamplight Theatre, New Vision Youth, Riverview Boys and Girls Club, Kingsport Parks and Recreation are a few of them who host memorable events during this time. Here are a few of the popular events that take place in Kingsport.

1. The Black History Program: It is conducted here every year to participate and watch the performances. A theme is decided every year, and the program is organized, keeping that same theme in mind.
2. Bingo and Soul Food Gathering: This is an annual event where people gather to eat some delicious food. Some of the popular items are goat meat, deer meat, barbeque ribs, dessert, and many other items. Like any other event, this is free, but donations can be given. After the food gathering, people can enjoy a good game of Bingo at the same place.
3. Movie Night: Each year, a movie is selected that is played for the people of the community. These movies are generally educational, and the organizers aim at educating the youth.
4. Educational Field Trip: Towards the end of the month, people take a crucial educational trip to the Pennington Gap. They visit the Appalachian African American Cultural Centre. Participants meet at a said time and then travel via a bus that carries about 70 people. They can also stop and eat, but they are responsible for paying for their meal.