Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a historian and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History termed it “Negro History Week.” This eventually evolved into the Black History Month. February was selected because it included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Fredrick Douglas (February 14) whom Woodson believed to have dramatically and positively impacted the lives of African Americans. Many have said that we owe the celebration of Black History Month and more importantly, the study of black history to Dr. Carter G. Wilson. He received his Ph.D from Harvard and was perplexed by the lack of information on African Americans in the history books he studied. As a result, he decided to take on the challenge of writing Black Americans into the nation’s history by establishing the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now called the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History) in 1915 – a year later, he founded the widely respected Journal of Negro History.

The launch of Black History Month has allowed America (and Canada, which also celebrates Black History Month in February) to recognize and give credit to the men and women who have not only contributed philosophy, art, poetry, jazz, literature and drama, but have fought for justice and equality in our nation. In the past few decades, African Americans have begun to uncover a history that was previously overlooked or discarded. Despite this, African American culture has remained and sustained its rightful place in the fabric and landscape of our lives.

Each year, Americans embrace African American History. On February 18, Guild Hall celebrates Black History Month by hosting a panel discussion with African American artists from the Long Island Black Artist Association (LIBAA).

The lecture, entitled “African American Expressions,” will run from 1-4 p.m. and admission is free. Rosa Hanna Scott, president of the LIBAA and an East Hampton native, will be on hand to discuss the efforts of the Long Island Black Artist Association. Ms. Scott received her very first prize in Art while she was in 7th grade in the East Hampton Junior High and has continued to express herself though artwork by teaching art programs and exhibiting her work in Guild Hall, Ashawagh Hall, Gurney’s Inn, East End Arts and in numerous banks and private collections throughout the greater New York area. Other artists from the LIBAA will also lecture about their work and life experiences.

The Long Island Black Artist Association was founded in 1968 by four artists; including Charles Winslow, Ernest Snell, James Counts and Ray Miles. The purpose and aim of the association is to help African American artists find a channel to exhibit their work. In that sense, the LIBAA has continually sought to find new venues and spaces for exhibiting its members work locally, nationally and internationally in hopes of gaining recognition. The Association was also founded with intentions to provide an atmosphere of fellowship in which both professionals and semi-professionals could collaborate and exchange ideas freely. Furthermore, they aim to provide a cultural service to the community by offering a sensitive and supportive environment for those in the African American community to develop their techniques and talent in the field of visual arts. To date, the LIBAA is the only such organization in Suffolk, Nassau, Queens and Brooklyn.

LIBAA is based out of Hempstead, Long Island. Rosa Hanna Scott is President, Charles Winslow (one of the founders) serves as Vice President, Rhonda Fleshman is Secretary and Olita Jenkins serves as Treasurer. The Association and its artists have exhibited in many museums, galleries, colleges, universities, churches, libraries and corporations throughout the United States. Outside of the country, artists have exhibited in places such as Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa. The group is open to anyone who expresses an interest in joining though the LIBAA looks for those actively engaged in at least one of the visual art mediums (photography, painting, drawing, mixed-media, etc.,) and those who are interested in helping develop and expose the work of African American artists. One of the goals of the association is to help create a scholarship fund to assist the development of promising young African American art students by helping sponsor indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Currently, there is a LIBAA group show at Malloy College in Rockville Centre, which will continue through February. There will also be a LIBAA Group Art Sale from February 17-18 at the Hempstead Public Library in Hempstead. In addition, each month, a member of the Long Island Black Artist Association is chosen to participate in an exhibition in places such as the Lakeview Public Library and the lobby at the Farmingdale State University Educational Opportunity Center. You can learn more about the LIBAA by reading their newsletter or visiting their website at www.liblackartists.com.

Come celebrate Black History Month at Guild Hall on Saturday, February 18. You can learn about the Long Island Black Artist Association, engage in great conversation and view some stunning artwork you surely don’t want to miss.

“African American Expressions” will take place from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, February 18. Admission is free. Located at Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, East Hampton. Call 631-324-0806 for more information