Network for Good :: Black History

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The history of African Americans in the United States is the history of the United States itself; from their first introduction to the continent to their release from slavery and their long struggle for the respect and right all Americans enjoy, African-American history shows our country facing its most shameful depths — and realizing its highest ideals. Come with us on a journey for all Americans — a trip through our people's shared past, towards a unified future.

The summer of 2004 will mark the opening of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Freedom Center's mission is to inspire people to speak up in the face of injustice and for the spirit of freedom. Support the Center, or use these additional resources to contribute to the charities and organizations that work today to preserve our nation's memories — and build our future together.

•	Dr. Carter G. Woodson started Negro History Week in 1926. The week-long observance was expanded to a month in 1976, in time for the U.S. Bicentennial.
•	February was chosen because it is the birth month of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
•	Each black history month has a theme, chosen by The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History. The theme for 2004 is "Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education".
•	This year's theme commemorates the unanimous 1954 Supreme Court ruling that held racial segregation to be unconstitutional.

Make A Donation
History informs the future. Keep history alive today with your timely donation to these keepers of the flame.

African American Experience Fund
Preservation, education and outreach programs for National Parks celebrating the contributions of African Americans to America.

Anacostia Museum & Center for African American History and Culture
American history, society, and creative expression from an African American perspective.

Facing History and Ourselves Foundation
Helping students and teachers respond to issues of racism through history.

National Civil Rights Museum
Devoted to understanding the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement and its impact on the human rights movement today.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Lessons and reflections on the struggle for freedom.

Other African-American Donation Opportunities
African-American-oriented charities and organizations that have helps shape our past, and can give form to a more hopeful future.

Associated Black Charities
Ensures the coordinated, effective delivery of health and human services in the Black community

King Center
Educating the world about the life, work, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Devoted to delivering the promise of democracy to all Americans.

National Urban League
Community-based programs empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream

Southern Poverty Law Center
Combating hate, intolerance and discrimination through education and litigation.

United Negro College Fund
The nation's oldest and most successful African American higher education assistance organization.

Be A Volunteer
Get involved in your community by volunteering with one of these organizations.

Black Patriots Foundation
Volunteer in efforts to create the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial.

King Center
Join the "Re-ignite the Dream Campaign".

National Park Foundation
Volunteer at historic sites commemorating African American history.

Search for other volunteer opportunities that interest you, or learn how to be a virtual volunteer

Create your Volunteer Record of Service
Keep an online journal of all your volunteer activities and experiences.

Speak Out
Use your voice to increase awareness of black history, tolerance, and freedom. Visit the links below to get started.

NAACP - Voter Empowerment Program
More than 8 million eligible African Americans are not registered to vote. Get involved and increase African American involvement in politics.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Share your stories of freedom.

Southern Poverty Law Center
Join the National Campaign for Tolerance