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Black History Month

Celebrate Black History MonthBlack history and culture is major a part of the American fabric -- and the school curriculum -- that it's difficult to imagine a time when that wasn't so. Established as Negro History Week in the 1920s by Carter G. Woodson, February was chosen for the celebration because Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were born in this month. Black History month was extended to a month-long celebration in 1976. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history. During the month of February, 89.1 WEMU will feature programs and activities to commemorate, celebrate, and take opportunity to emphasize the history and achievements of African Americans.

5 Year-Old Ypsilanti Student Recites Black History Month Poem On 89.1 WEMU

89.1 WEMU | By Lisa Barry - In Memoriam

Published February 19, 2018 at 4:00 PM EST

Five year-old Ziare Gunn, a student at the Ford Early Learning Center in Ypsilanti, is gaining a lot of recognition for memorizing and reciting a special poem for Black History Month. He joined 89.1 WEMU'S Lisa Barry in studio along with his grandmother and teacher and shares the poem with WEMU listeners, saying it "makes his heart feel good."

Gunn learned the poem after studying it for 3 hours and recited it in front of the Ypsilanti Community Schools Board of Trustees, where he received a standing ovation.

Five year-old Ziare Gunn (center) with his grandmother Yvonne Fields (right, sitting) and his teacher Anita Smith (left, standing).

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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu