Rememberences and Recollections

A Century of Black History Commemorations – The Society’s Role in Black History Commemorations in San Francisco

By Ginger Smyly

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH, now ASALH) established Negro History Week. Then, as now, the commemorations are meant to educate, uplift and advocate for the Negro and make knowledge of her presence, achievements, history, culture and life. Annually, ASALH selects a theme, implements national events and provides resource materials for use at the local level. Negro History Week evolved over time to Black History Week and then to Black History Month (also known as African American History Month.) “Black History Month” became more common nationwide during the 1976 Bicentennial.

It is unclear whether Negro History Week was acknowledged in San Francisco between 1926 and the mid-1950s. In the mid-1950s, The Sun Reporter newspaper organized and sponsored an annual Negro History Week observance with a contest to identify distinguished Negro leaders and organizations. On February 12, 1956, an Annual Negro History Week Observance, sponsored by the Sun Reporter, was held at Third Baptist Church; the keynote speaker was a Mr. Washington, a representative of the National Republican Committee. Merits Awards were made to the 10 most outstanding clubs in the Bay Area, the 10 most outstanding citizens in the East Bay, the 10 most outstanding citizens in San Francisco, and an anniversary award to the NAACP; the man and woman of the year would be named at the event. Featured in this same newspaper, was a photo of the Negro History Week Committee with an article noting that aid to Mississippi would also be part of the Week's observances.

The earliest Society Negro History Week Observance was held in 1957. After the Society's organization as an ASNLH chapter and subsequent consolidation with James Herndon's group, “The first major project sponsored was the celebration of Negro History Week, February 10 -17, 1957... The theme … was, 'Negro History in Development of Human Understanding.' The first program was held at the Hamilton Recreation Center on February 10, 1957. A musical recital was presented by Elizabeth Rease. Programs were held on the radio and at various churches over the city,” as reported in early Society documents.

Since 1957, the Society has planned and conducted an annual Negro History Week, Black History Week or Black History Month observance. Governors “Pat” Brown and Ronald Reagon were approached to give proclamations recognizing Negro History Week, as were the Mayors of San Francisco. The 1966 proclamation from Mayor Joseph Shelley, appears to be the first. Around this time, the Society became the chief organizer of city-wide Negro History Week commemorations. The Society organized Black History Month Planning Committees made up of representatives of African American organizations, city government and departments, colleges and universities, the business community, professional groups, civic clubs and the faith community to co-sponsor, plan and implement a kick-off program in which a keynote speaker addressed the selected theme. We believe that the first “kick-off” at City Hall was held in 1974. Thereafter it was held at City Hall Rotunda with few exceptions from the early 1980s to present.

At each observance, the Society presents the National Negro Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a member of the faith community offers an invocation, notables and invited city officials and others were recognized and provided remarks. Local talent, often youth, provided song, music, dance or spoken word. Each Black History Month program is unique in that the local theme, corresponds in some way to the National theme, but is given in a San Francisco context.

The Society, often with co-sponsors, offered a week- or month-long series of programs, some related to the theme, but primarily activities to educate: lectures, book readings and signings, genealogy workshops, etc.; and activities to inspire: art and historical exhibits, films, musicales, theater, the spoken word and dance. In the heyday of the African Affairs Committee, visiting African dignitaries were invited guest speakers. Well-known African American artists, writers, professors and analysts were often the center of these post- “kick-off” events.

The spirit of the Society founders and current leadership, much like that of ASALH founders and leaders, provides impetus, value and meaning in these annual commemorations. Black History Month is a vehicle to educate, uplift and advocate for African Americans, acknowledging his and her presence, achievements, history, culture, life and human dignity. ALL people can relate to and find meaning in this.

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