Today, the first Monday in November, is International Black Solidarity Day.
This day was established and first celebrated in 1969 at Brooklyn University. It was inspired by Douglas Turner Ward’s satirical play Day of Absence (1965), in which the true economic, social, and political power of a small Southern town’s Black community is revealed when they all disappear for one day, throwing the town into turmoil. Since then, other means of celebrating Black Solidarity Day have arisen, ranging from demonstrations to educational events to drives relating to voting. In some places, it is observed as an actual day of absence from school and work.
This observance is held the first Monday of each November because, in the United States, Election Day is held the day after. The day was intended to be a time of discussion regarding the political needs and direction of Black communities.
It is traditional to mark this day by wearing black, or wearing black or silver ribbons. You can learn more here at BlackAcademics.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment