Black History Month
This month, we celebrate not only the achievements, contributions, and tenacity of Black individuals throughout America’s history, but also 100th anniversary of the founding of Black History Month.
Celebrating a century of commemorations
UW Medicine’s Black History Month flag raisings will take place on Feb. 2 at noon on all hospital campuses and, for the first time, at the Northwest Outpatient Medical Center campus. By honoring Black history, we are not only acknowledging the past but also actively working to build a future where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. UW Medicine continues to address policies and practices that focus on equity and social and health justice as we strive to become an equitable and inclusive organization. UW Medicine’s Office of Healthcare Equity offers regular events, talks and training on the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and justice.
The history behind recognition
In the early 20th century, it was commonly presumed that Black people contributed little to US history besides the labor and emotional toil of being enslaved. Carter G. Woodson, a son of formerly enslaved people, who became the second Black person to earn a PhD at Harvard University, helped change that.
In 1915, Dr. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). In 1926, Dr. Woodson initiated the celebration of Negro History Week, which corresponded with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the observance was expanded to include the entire month of February. Black History continues to be a time to reflect on the contributions Black people have made to the world. It is also a time — as is every month of the year — to focus on the impact of systemic, structural and institutional racism and the continued need for social justice.
Local Black History Month resources
- Meet Estell Williams, MD — emergency surgeon, community builder, mentor and the UW’s 2026 honoree for Black History Month.
- Check out one or more of these books recommended by King County Library System.
- Discover the role of churches, the Seattle Public Library and the Seattle Urban League in promoting the observance locally.
- Explore how the story continues to unfold at the Northwest African American Museum.
- Join the mailing list for the UW Black Faculty and Staff Association.
- Stream the podcast Identity Unboxed, which amplifies Black leaders, scholars and professionals in Seattle and beyond.
- Discover local Black History in Seattle through the Seattle Civil Rights Labor & History project and the pivotal influence of the Black Student Union on the University of Washington campus.
- Read about how the Black Student Union and student activists led to the evolution of the University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity.
- Read about the Carolyn Downs Medical Center, one of 13 health clinics across the United States opened by the Black Panther party; this is the only one still operating.
- Learn about the Tubman Center for Health & Freedom named after the heroine and Nurse in the Union Army, Harriet Tubman.
National Black History Month resources
- Explore the book, Legacy, and interview with the author, Dr. Uché Blackstock on NPR.
- Learn about the origins of Black History Month from its founders.
- Discover the forgotten history of Black hospitals in the U.S.
- Enjoy last year’s performances for Black Music Month from National Public Radio.
Support for Black community members
While a time for celebration, the deluge of potentially traumatic stories shared in the media during Black History Month can also be triggering and exhausting within the Black community. This is an important time to remember to practice self-care. Here are a few resources to help:
