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Family comes into focus for Black History Month 2021. Photo courtesy of the Worcester Art Museum.

This year, Black History Month returns to its roots with a new focus on black family ties.

The theme for 2021, "The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity", explores the wide-ranging diversity of black family life -- from single to two-parent households to nuclear, extended and, more recently, bi-racial.

Throughout black history, factors such as slavery, inequality and poverty have put pressure on maintaining family ties, when a better life meant traveling far from home.

This may certainly be the reason why family reunions have always remained popuar within the African American community. And that means annual get-togethers with far-flung family that includes a joyful exchange of memories, photos and storytelling every year.

Paradoxically, economic pressures that may pull black families apart may also often unite them.

That is, against prejudice and bigotry many black famiies may pool resources or find job opportunities, or simply find emotional comfort within their own micro-community. In that respect, "brothers" or "aunties" may be good friends or neighbors who simply qualify for the title.

Throughout American history, the black community has always exhibited an unwavering understanding of the value of family as an incomparable source of comfort, strength, and even survival.

Resources for Black History Month 2021

PBS.org - The Slave Experience: FAMILY

Encyclopedia.com - African American Families

All about Black History Month

Black History Month first originated as part of an initiative by writer and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who launched Negro History Week in 1926. Woodson proclaimed that Negro History Week should always occur in the second week of February — between the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

Since 1976, every American president has proclaimed February as Black History Month. Today, other countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom also devote an entire month to celebrating black history.

The Web is a great place to find out more about that history — in poetry, literature, the arts, sciences, sports and entertainment — making Black History Month a time of fun, celebration, and learning.

also see in Holidays -> Kwanzaa

Top 20 Quotes for Black History Month

Words of inspiration, wisdom and wit from some of the most well known African American authors, poets, sports and political figures combine an outpouring of pride with hope and anger in expressions that capture the spirit of black history ....

How James Earl Jones Turned Fear Into Fame

Perhaps you know James Earl Jones as the voice of Star War’s Darth Vader or as Mufasa in the Lion King. He has been laden with Tony, Emmy and Obie Awards. People look at him today and see a confident actor with a deep, resonant voice. The next time you see him, look deeper ....

More about black history around the Web:

ipl2 - Black History Month - Check out a major starting point for exploring black history and culture on the Net with related links to museums, movies and theater, noted black women, Martin Luther King Day, the Amistad Revolt, general histories, timelines, and lots more.

History Channel - Black History Month - Great coverage with the complete TV schedule as well as online biographies, great speeches, video clips, Web exclusives, related resources.