Carter Woodson's parents were born into slavery.
By the time of his birth in 1875, in New Canton, Va., slavery had ended and the struggle for equality was under way. Woodson spent his life telling the world about the achievements of black Americans.
He received a doctorate in history from Harvard University, wrote 16 history books and founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now called the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History). Until his death in 1950, Woodson was regarded as the leading author of black history.
In announcing a list of local events for Black History Month, the Salt Lake chapter of the NAACP gives credit to Woodson for starting the celebration. He came up with the idea of a black history week back in 1926.
Events for Black History Month are free unless otherwise noted. They include:
Friday, Feb. 4
5 to 10 p.m. NAACP fund-raising book fair, at Barnes and Noble Bookstore, 612 E. 400 South. Earl Ofari Hutchinson, lecturer and author of "The Crisis in Black and Black," will be on hand from 6 to 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 7
7 p.m. "The Journey," a play by Andre Minkins, Starlight Room, Sharwan Smith Center, Southern Utah University.
Tuesday, Feb. 8
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month of February there will be music, clothing and information at Black History Month booths near the bookstore at the Wilkinson Student Center at Brigham Young University.
Noon "Worshipping in Zion: Utah's Communities of Faith," a panel discussion at the Olpin Union, kicks off the University of Utah Black Awareness Month activities, all of which center around the Black Church, directions for a new millennium.
Noon "Representation of the Marginalized in the Media" discussion at the Women's Resource Center, room 293, Olpin Union Building, University of Utah.
Noon Salt Lake Saints Mardi Gras Band, in concert, Olpin Union, University of Utah.
3 p.m. "A Question of Color," a film, Zion Conference Room, SSC, Southern Utah University.
Wednesday, Feb. 9
Noon "Spiritual and Communal Directions in the 21st Century," a lecture by J. Alfred Smith, Olpin Union, University of Utah.
Thursday, Feb. 10
11:30 a.m. "Kinship: A Family's Journey in Africa and America," Black History Month Convocation Lecture by Philippe Wamba, SUU Auditorium, Southern Utah University.
Noon "Women: To Preach or Not to Preach, That is the Question," a lecture by Ella Pearson Mitchell, at Olpin Union, University of Utah.
7 p.m. "Tuskegee Airmen," a movie at the Varsity Theater, WSC, Brigham Young University. Donation requested.
Saturday, Feb. 12
6 p.m. Calvary Baptist Church Choir, Colors of Life Dance Ensemble and dance students from the University of Utah in performance, Salt Lake Art Center, 20 S. West Temple.
Monday, Feb. 14
7 p.m. "The Rhetorics and Politics of Blackness," a lecture by Mark McPhail, Zion Conference Room, SSC, Southern Utah University.
Tuesday, Feb. 15
Noon "Kinda Blue," Rita Bankhead sings Mahalia, Olpin Union, University of Utah.
Thursday, Feb. 17
11 a.m. Speakers: Winston and Gloria Wilkinson, in room 3380, WSC, Brigham Young University.
7 p.m. "Skin Deep: The Science of Race," a film, Zion Conference Room, SCC, Southern Utah University.
Saturday, Feb. 19
1 to 5 p.m. "African-American Fair," where students welcome parents who have adopted black children. History, children's activities, fun for all. WSC Terrace, Brigham Young University.
7 p.m. "Live-Soul Saints" performance, in room 140, WSC, Brigham Young University.
Tuesday, Feb. 22
7 p.m. "Do I Have to be Black? Stereotyping Effects on African Americans," a lecture by Paul White, Zion Conference Room, SCC, Southern Utah University.
Thursday, Feb. 24
11 a.m. Speaker: Jackie Thompson, in room 3222, WSC, Brigham Young University.
3 p.m. "Just Black: Multi-Racial Identity," room 205T, SCC, Southern Utah University.
Saturday, Feb. 26
8 p.m. "Apollo," a series of musical performances, dance, and poetry readings, WSC Terrace, Brigham Young University. $3 students; $4 others.
Tuesday, Feb. 29
Noon The Golden Voices of Gospel in performance, Olpin Union, University of Utah.