Onye Onyemaechi is leading a Village Rhythm event, from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Dixon Library, 230 N. First St. Onye uses music, native dress and instruments presented in a historical/cultural context.in order to engage children and families with the African Village Lifestyle. Photo courtesy of Village Rhythm/Onye Onyemaechi

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Black History Month is an annual holiday that focuses on the trials and triumphs of the Black community, primarily in the United States. Established by African American historian, author and journalist Carter G. Woodson for purposes of tradition and reform, the month-long celebration looks to both the past and the future.

On Sept. 9, 1915, Woodson founded an organization that eventually evolved into the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Black History Month began as a single week. In 1926, February was chosen as it encompassed the birthdays of both the 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and the famous African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14). Fifty years later, on Feb. 10, 1976, President Gerald Ford officially acknowledged the holiday, citing the contributions of African Americans to American culture and history.

Annually since 1928, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History+ has designated a theme per each Black History Month. This year’s theme is “African Americans and Labor,” which is meant to highlight the diverse fields that African Americans have found themselves in and the impact it has had on the cultural landscape. Through these diverse works, their contributions have not gone unnoticed, especially not in Dixon. The first free African American to live in town was Nancy Geary in 1910.  According to the Dixon Library Public Archive Collection, Geary was known for her ice cream store and her hard work; and was well-loved. 

Nancy Geary was the first African American to live in Dixon, circa 1910. She was well-known and loved for her hard work and ice cream store. Photo courtesy of the Dixon Library public archive collection

The Dixon Library at 230 N. First St. is hosting an interactive experience from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 20. The event will be led by Onye Onyemaechi, a world-renowned master percussionist, educator and author. Onyemaechi offers a participatory experience of African Village life, involving attendees through communal drumming, dancing, singing and stories. Registration is not required and all ages are welcome.

Dixon High School at 555 College Way, is hosting two Black History events for the student body, both produced by the school’s Black Student Union. From Feb. 10 to Feb. 14, the Black Student Union, led by students Madison Wartson (president) and Aniko Paige (vice-president) will host spirit week, focusing on Afrocentric themes that have yet to be announced. The Black Student Union will also host a pep rally, open to the public on Feb. 28 in honor of the month’s heritage but is still in the planning stages. 

Black History Month continues to carry Black traditions, history and culture forward to the next generation and beyond.