UNITED WE ROW: Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month 2024

African Americans and the Arts as a Platform for Social Justice

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for

recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the

event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of historian Carter G. Woodson and other

prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of

February as Black History Month.

USRowing encourages all members of the rowing community to learn more through the resource

guide below and to celebrate within their boathouses during February and beyond. Programs and

organizations will become more inclusive and welcoming by respecting and valuing individuals in their

rowing organizations.

WAYS TO CELEBRATE

At USRowing, we encourage our rowing leaders across the country to:

1. Participate in an anti-racism activation with: A Long Talk About the Uncomfortable Truth

2. Check out Rowing in Color and listen to their Podcast to hear more stories of Black athletes

and the promotion of diversity in rowing.

3. Learn about prominent members and organizations making strides forward for diverse

communities in rowing: Arshay Cooper, Brannon Johnson and BLJ Community Rowing, Corinne

Wiggins (aka The Black Coxswain), Brick City Rowing, and Unity Boat Club.

4. Know the History of the Black athletes who paved the way and represented the United States

at the Olympic Games:

a. Anita DeFrantz (1976 and 1980)

b. Patricia Spratlen (1980 and 1984)

c. Aquil Abdullah (2004)

d. David Banks (2008 and 2012)

e. Alex Osborne (2012)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO EXPLORE

• Learn more about Black History Month and African American culture: Smithsonian's National

Museum of African American History & Culture

• We Have to Fix This (USRowing)

• A Most Beautiful Thing

• BLJ: Black Rowing Club Provides Representation in the Sport (Good Morning America)

• The Barrier-Breaking Rowers of America’s First All-Black Crew Team (Smithsonian Magazine)

o The Race Problem at Howard is How to Win (Sports Illustrated Vault)

• St. Augustine’s University Launches First HBCU Women’s Rowing Team in the Country

(Essence Magazine)

• TED: Talks to Celebrate Black History Month

• NPR: Paying Homage to Black History Heroes