The Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) has long been devoted to celebrating the diversity of its students, faculty and staff who richly contribute to the progress and accomplishments of the school division. The cultural vastness of Virginia Beach schools yields characteristics of ethnicity, ageism, national origin, physical and mental ability, gender, religion, race, and military status establishing a true multicultural hub that mirrors the globalization of our world. VBCPS’s commitment to an equity education to improve achievement for all students is recognized in the school division’s Compass to 2015: A Strategic Plan for Student Success.
February is the Month VBCPS Commemorates...
The mere imparting of information is not education.
Carter G. Woodson
National Black History Month
2012 THEME: "Black Women in American History and Culture"
Women in African American History -- Black African Women of History
By: Jone Johnson Lewis, About.com Guide
Basics of African American Women's History
Women are half the human race, and they're half of black history, as well. Here are some highlights bringing together black history and women's history. Scroll through this list to find timelines of African American history and women, biographies of African American women, African women rulers, and more.
Here are some resources that will get you started quickly in learning about and exploring the history of African American women. The timeline will show the events and individuals in historical context, and the ever-growing list of biographies will introduce you to some powerful and interesting individuals. If you want to test your knowledge of African American women's history, try the quiz.
- Timeline: African American History and Women
- Biographies A-Z: Notable African American Women
- Quiz: African American History and Women's History
Dr. Carter G. Woodson
Father of Black History
Known as the "Father of Black History," Carter Godwin Woodson (1875-1950) was the son of former slaves, and understood how important gaining a proper education is when striving to secure and make the most out of one's divine right of freedom. Although he did not begin his formal education until he was twenty years old; his dedication to study enabled him to earn a high school diploma in West Virginia and bachelor and master's degrees from the University of Chicago in a very few years. In 1912, Woodson became the second African American to earn a PhD from Harvard University (the first was W.E.B. DuBois). Applying the insights he gained during his academic matriculation, Dr. Woodson began teaching Black students in the District of Columbia's public schools and at Howard University.
As founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, in 1926 Dr. Woodson instituted a week-long celebration of the contributions of Blacks to history. Dr. Woodson chose the week of Abraham Lincoln's birthday (February 12) to highlight the contributions of Blacks during "Negro History Week." In 1976 the observance was expanded, and now the entire month of February is celebrated as Black History Month. The month is also known as African-American History Month or Black Experience Month. The history of African-Americans is an integral part of the division's curriculum and is commemorated throughout Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
See More About:
Women's History Basics || Timelines || African American Women || Black History Month
The DIVERSITY CONNECTIONS HOTLINE hotline is a service for all Virginia Beach citizens who have an interest in promoting unity within our public schools and our supporting communities. Through this hotline residents can express their comments about ethnicity, gender, race, language, physical and mental ability, religious beliefs, socioeconomics, and other diverse matters occurring among students and employees of the Virginia Beach Public Schools.
Email: esther.monclova-johnson@vbschools.com;
Call: 757.263.2222
or email esther.monclova-johnson@vbschools.com.