Black History Month Black educators and Black United Students at Kent State University first proposed Black History Month in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later, from January 2 to February 28, 1970. Six years later, Black History Month was being celebrated across the country in educational institutions, centers of Black culture, and community centers when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976. He urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” The Wall Street Journal describes Black History Month as “a time when the culture and contributions of African Americans take center stage” in a variety of cultural institutions, including theaters, libraries, and museums. 2025 Theme: Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), designates a theme each year. The 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” is a powerful reflection on the pivotal role that the hard work of African Americans has played in shaping our country’s history. Whether voluntary or involuntary, skilled or unskilled, labor has been at the core of the Black American experience. From the agricultural labor of enslaved Africans, which was foundational to the economic systems of this country, to the prosperous establishment of “Black Wall Street” which was a demonstration of the brilliance and resilient abilities of black corporate collaboration, this theme highlights how work has been central to both survival and empowerment. Ways to Celebrate:- Learn about Black History through museums, books, websites, or other literary pieces.
- Support Black-owned businesses.
- Donate to organizations such as the Black Youth Project, Loveland Therapy Fund, Amistad Law Project, as well as grassroots organizations that oftentimes don’t receive widespread publicity.
Eating Disorder Awareness Week
(2/24/2025 to 3/2/2025) Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope and visibility to individuals and loved ones impacted by eating disorders. Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2025 is taking place Monday, February 24 – Sunday, March 2, 2025. Eating disorders have the second-highest mortality rate among mental health conditions, with one person dying from an eating disorder every 52 minutes, yet many are unaware of the barriers that can make it difficult to find recovery, including a lack of understanding about eating disorders and their impact. Emotional and Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Disordered Eating:- Preoccupation with weight loss, food, calories, and dieting
- Refuses to eat certain foods, and often eliminates whole food groups (carbohydrates, fats)
- Makes excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food
- Develops food rituals (e.g., eating foods in certain orders, excessive chewing, rearranging food on a plate)
- Withdraws from friends and previously pleasurable activities and becomes more isolated and secretive
- Extreme concern with body size and shape
- Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance
- Extreme mood swings
Although some people are at a higher risk for developing eating disorders, not everyone with risk factors will develop an eating disorder, and not everyone with an eating disorder has associated risk factors. Everyone’s experience is unique, and it is important to be honest with healthcare professionals about any associated risk factors so they can help tailor a treatment plan to meet each patient’s needs. If you feel as though you have disordered eating, seek support from a medical or mental health professional. You can also call the National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline: 1-866-662-1235
Monday-Friday 9am – 7pm EST | 
