Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – In celebration of Black History Month, Arkansas State University Museum welcomes associate professor of history Dr. Gary Edwards as he takes attendees back 100 years to explore the origins of the month.

Edwards will speak at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in room 156 of the university museum.

In January 1926, newspapers marked the second week of February as National Negro History Week. Led by the “Father of Black History,” Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and his Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, the week was celebrated throughout the United States.

Edwards will speak on the racial climate of the era and how African American communities in Arkansas reacted to the call to celebrate. Guests are invited to stay and participate in a discussion.

“In 1926, when Carter G. Woodson and his associates set the dates for National Negro History Week, during Feb. 7-13, he boldly stated objectives for this celebration,” said museum educator Jill Kary. “One hundred years later, those aims are still relevant for us all.”

All are invited to attend and honor the origins of Black History Month. No tickets or prior registration are required.

For more information, contact Kary at jkary@AState.edu or call 870-972-2074.