Recognizing Black History Month

Feb. 3, 2023

UA President Pat Pitney shared on her Twitter account this week some ways Alaskans can learn more about Black History in the 49th State in recognition of Black History Month: 

“February marks #BlackHistoryMonth. It’s an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past and recognize the contributions that Black and African-Americans have made to our country and our state. While there are a lot of great resources out there to help grow your knowledge about Black History in Alaska, here are two from our own university community:

• “Black History in the Last Frontier” from the National Park Service and UAA’s own Ian Hartman. It’s a book and selection of stories that highlight the achievements of Alaska’s Black community while illustrating how they endured racism, fought injustice, and made a life for themselves.
• The just-published “Black Lives in Alaska: A History of African Americans in the Far Northwest” by Hartman and David Reamer, with a foreword by Calvin Williams of the Alaska NAACP. It focuses on the agency and diversity of Black Alaskans throughout our history. Hartman was interviewed by UAA alum Wesley Early on Alaska Public Media in December of last year; listen to their conversation here.

“Black history is America’s history and Alaska’s history. Sharing knowledge about and celebrating the diverse peoples of the North is the University of Alaska’s mission and I encourage everyone to take some time this month to do just that.”

>> Follow UA President Pat Pitney on Twitter