Celebrating Black History
February 14, 2025Celebrating Black history is not foreign to Huntington as the “Father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson, resided here for many years. Woodson’s father moved their family to Huntington in 1890 where Woodson attended Douglass High School, an all-Black institution, and later served as principal. The Carter G. Woodson Memorial Foundation is located in Huntington where they “aim to advance Dr. Woodson’s lifelong mission of promoting education, equality, and an understanding of Black history” through educational scholarships, historic preservation initiatives, and community programs. The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum, named in honor of Woodson and inspired by Aristotle’s lyceum, is a program at Marshall University that honors his life and promotes the study of Black history.
Closing out January, Huntington unveiled Black History banners that are displayed around Huntington’s business district throughout the month of February. Each banner highlights a Black resident of Huntington, from politicians to athletes to soldiers and more. This is the fourth year Huntington has displayed the banners, and we hope the City plans to honor the contributions from Black Huntingtonians for many years to come. To research these individuals, their lives, and contributions, you can visit 2025 – Huntington Black History.
Anna Holstein, CVB Intern, had the honor of speaking with Dr. Cicero M. Fain IIII, Black Huntington author, Assistant Provost for Inclusive Excellence at Marshall University, and CVB board member. He is a highly involved member of the community promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. He stressed the importance for not only our community, but the nation to continue its celebration of Black History in order to move forward. He said we must recognizing the impact Black citizens have had and not try to discredit them.
If you are interested in celebrating Black History month with others in the community, there are events being hosted for the rest of February right here in the Huntington Area! Click the link below for complete information.
