Black History Month honors the contributions of African Americans to the United States. Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” which was initiated by Carter G. Woodson in 1926. It became a month long celebration in 1976; February was chosen because both Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas’ birthday are in this month.

Black History’s rich, deep history, has been highlighted over the past month in LHS. From past to present, abolitionist Sojourner Truth to President Barack Obama, profiles of these leaders are showcased from the front bulletin board by the cafeteria and all over the school.

Lodi High School and the AP U.S. History classes have celebrated Black History through DBQ’s. Mr. Cannizzaro’s AP classes wrote these essay’s highlighting issues of voting rights, education and justice, segregation, and slavery. Students were assigned to discuss five different parts of U.S. History involving these topics.

Black History Month is the acknowledgement of the collective triumph of black people overcoming extreme discrimination, acts of hate, and hardships. It honors the brave and heroic men and women who have paved the way for all African Americans. The Lodi Rampage is honored to highlight this historic month.