THE ROOTS OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The tribute to black history is rooted in the work of scholar
Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D. In 1926, Dr. Woodson introduced Negro History Week in an effort to focus national attention on the great achievements of Black people throughout American history. In 1976, as part of our nation’s Bicentennial celebration, this weeklong observance was officially designated Black History Month.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

This is Black History Month and I would like to share some of the inspiration stories of African American that has encourages myself, families, friends and other individuals to follow their dreams and achieve their goals.

WHAT'S COOKIN' IN FEBRUARY

It’s another month, this year is moving right along, and I’m still writing 2008. The weather is warm outside and sometime filled with gray sky, this is a good time for warm your bones dinners. This month I would like to share some of our One-Pot meal recipes, that has been pass down to us. My father great grandmother told him the story of one-pot meal, he said during slavery the corn rations which were sometimes the only food allotted to the slaves, unless they were given the "leftover" and "undesirable" cuts of meat from their masters. Slaves would supplement their food with wild game and fish pulled from the streams. Squirrel and possum figure among the meats used, catfish, trout, and shrimp among the fish. The women worked in the fields or up at the big house, 16 to 18 hours a day they were often too tired and didn’t have time to make a full meal. Most food requires the use of only one pot, so they served one-pot meals to their family know as "good times" food. The evening meal was a time for families to get together. The big pots became a meal for both body and soul. It was during the meal that the oral history was re-told, forbidden religious ceremonies held, family and friends visited. If you have any question or clarification, I would love comments this will help me create a place were you would enjoy returning to.

A NEW YEAR AND NEW PRESIDENT

Since the inauguration you can feel the energy, the people of the United States are ready to embrace change. It was amazing to see everyone come together and be so moved by the events of the day and the hope that President Obama has given our country. We need to support his plan for change and trust that he guides us in the right direction.

The excitment we felt when Obama won was one I will remember forever. What a joyous time for my family and our country. I knew that day a change had taken place and it was for the better. The change is here!!

HISTROY OF WATCH NIGHT ( New Year's Eve)

Many of you who live or grew up in Black communities in the United States have probably heard of "Watch Night Services," the gathering of the faithful in churches on New Year's Eve. The service usually begins anywhere from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year. Some folks come to Church first, before going out to celebrate. For others, church is the only New Year's Eve event. Like many others, I always assumed Watch Night was a fairly standard Christian religious celebration, but my grandmother said no there more to the
story, enjoy the whole story of watch night as told by my grandmother.

December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve." On that night, Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation actually had become law. Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863, and all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free. When the news was received, there were praying and shouting and songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God. Black folks
have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since praising God for bringing us safely through another year. It's been 141 years since that first freedom's eve and many of us were never taught the African American history of watch night, but tradition still brings us together at this time every year to Celebrate "HOW WE GOT OVER".