Alpha Connection

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Since 1976, the United States has set aside time each February to recognize and honor the generations of African Americans who persevered through adversity and helped shape the nation. At Alpha Connection, we believe it is essential to acknowledge this history and the lasting impact it continues to have on our communities.

Ways to Learn More About African American History

Black History Month offers an opportunity for reflection, education, and meaningful conversation. Alpha Connection encourages individuals and families to use this time to deepen their understanding in thoughtful ways, including:

• Exploring influential literature by authors such as Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Frederick Douglass, and many others whose words captured both struggle and resilience
• Learning about groundbreaking scientists and innovators like Alice Ball, Benjamin Banneker, and George Robert Carruthers, whose contributions often went unrecognized in their time
• Studying pivotal moments in the civil rights movement, including Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the 1961 Freedom Rides, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership during the Birmingham Campaign
• Discovering inventions created by African Americans, such as Mary Van Brittan Brown’s co-invention of the home security system in the 1960s or Garrett Morgan’s development of the three-light traffic signal in 1923
• Examining critical periods in African American history, including the Middle Passage, abolition, desegregation, and the Harlem Renaissance

Black Health and Wellness

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History selected “Black Health and Wellness” as the theme for 2022, highlighting the importance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Public conversations around mental health, such as Simone Biles’s decision to prioritize her well-being during the 2020 Olympic Games, have helped bring greater awareness to challenges that are often endured quietly.

At Alpha Connection, this focus aligns closely with our mission. While we are not a long-term facility or foster care program, our short-term residential therapy program is designed to support young people in building healthy, balanced lives. We emphasize overall wellness by addressing mental, physical, social, and spiritual health as essential components of long-term success.

Alpha Connection is committed to honoring Black History Month because it reflects perseverance, courage, and progress in the face of hardship. More importantly, it provides an opportunity to expand understanding and knowledge. We encourage everyone to take time this month to learn, reflect, and recognize the lasting achievements that continue to shape our society.

Black History Month is a perennial celebration of the accomplishments of African Americans. This month is significant because it’s the month when we commemorate the history and legacy of black people in the United States. Here are some of the therapeutic things to expect during this Black History Month

1. The History of Black History Month

In 1926, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) pushed to create a month where people could celebrate the achievements of African Americans in the United States. The idea was to educate people on how black people have contributed to this country and made a difference. Many other organizations followed suit and created their own Black History Month celebrations in various cities across America.

2. The Worthy Celebrated Figures

Black History Month allows celebrating the many notable figures before us. We can learn from them because they were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in, even when it sounded unpopular. They made great strides for all people, and we can learn from their actions. Black History Month is a celebration of people who have made great strides in the history of America. Notable figures like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., and many more have impacted the history of our country.

3. Celebrations.

Celebrations for Black Month around the country happen in different ways. There are parties and events where people can learn about black history. Other places may have parades or other celebrations to honor the accomplishments of black people throughout our nation’s history.

4. The Growth of the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Black Lives Matter has become one of the most important movements in our nation’s history. They have helped bring an important voice to this country and have inspired many people across the world to stand up for their opinions. Black Lives Matter feels that all lives matter, but they specifically want us to focus on black people’s issues in America. The movement is still growing and will continue to grow and be celebrated in other countries like Canada, Ireland, and the UK.
conclusion

Black History Month has been crucial to the black community in America. It has helped bring awareness to the accomplishments and struggles of black people and has helped them be proud of who they are. It has also helped black people see the progress made in America.