Following last year’s theme of The Black Family, Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is centering Black Health and Wellness for Black History Month 2022.
“This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora,” ASALH stated. “The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.”
ASALH is hosting a virtual festival in celebration of the month, beginning February 12.
Communities across the country have announced panels, film showings and other virtual and in-person events. Check them out!
California
The City of Santa Monica will host a reception and art walk on February 19, featuring student art from local schools and exhibits that immortalize Black history. The City will also present the Celebrating Black Excellence Awards that highlight the leadership and service achievements of Black Californians on February 24.
An event in Northern California will feature the exhibit “An Ode to Us,” a wall of selfies that shows a wide range of hairstyles tailored to Black fashionistas with instructions on how to achieve the looks. The region will also see a lineup of Black comedians take the stage for a night of laughs, in addition to an afro-pop concert that brings the music of Africa to NorCal.
Florida
University of Central Florida set the date for a zoom discussion on February 8 with ophthalmology expert Dr. Taliva Martinan that will tap into eye health disparities among Black patients and unveil the factors that lead to the health gap. The college will follow up with a panel on the profound impact of Black Floridian physicians two days later.
Texas
San Antonio College will introduce SAC alumni Ria Washington to speak on how voting rights is an issue of public health. Writer Jennifer Farmer will also headline a discussion on her highly-rated book “First and Only: A Black Woman’s Guide to Thriving at Work and in Life.” The mental health of Black veterans will be explored in a panel that offers resources on how to transition back to civilian life.
Michigan
Central Michigan University is bringing in a counselor for a discussion on mental health stigma, with a second session dedicated to learning calming exercises from a yoga practitioner.
Delaware
A zoom presentation on the historic Green Book will map the history of the Jim-Crow era travel guide that helped Black travelers safely navigate a hostile America. Another event in the state will detail the history of Black Americans in Delaware via a Facebook video of a New Castle Court House Museum exhibit.
