Dear friends,
This year’s theme for Black History Month, celebrates Black Resistance. To resist means to challenge the system. Resistance is a way to break down barriers and achieve progress.
This month, AbilityFirst celebrates the accomplishments and progress of Black Americans who encounter and overcome barriers to their success. AbilityFirst is leading change to enhance access to opportunities and resources. AbilityFirst is leading change to enhance access to opportunities and resources. We are committed to furthering diversity, equity and inclusion by actively devoting our resources to providing meaningful, person-centered services, especially for those who have experienced obstacles to receiving services and supports.
Much of the progress America has made achieving positive change for people with disabilities, has been led by Black Americans. This includes legendary poet and civil rights activist Harriet Tubman, boxing champion Muhammad Ali and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, music artists Missy Elliot and Stevie Wonder and National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, to name just a few.
Throughout Black History Month, we will feature stories and photographs about black heroes, history-makers, and role models.
Lori Gangemi
CEO AbilityFirst
Did you know?
Black History Month was started in 1915 by black historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.
Learn more about the origins of Black History Month by clicking the image below.
Free Events and Happenings throughout the month of February
Pasadena
List of events – www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/community-events/
Long Beach
List of events – www.longbeach.gov/health/healthy-living/community/black-history-month/
Inglewood
Feb. 18th – King Fest – www.cityofinglewood.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=614
Los Angeles
Feb. 19th – 2023 Los Angeles Black History Month Festival – www.unation.com/event/2023-los-angeles-black-history-month-festival-13898442
Feb. 25th – Black History Month Prosperity Market @ CAAM – caamuseum.org/programs/talks-and-workshops/black-history-month-prosperity-market-caam
Virtual
Black History Month Virtual Festival – https://asalh.org/festival/