Black History Month

February 1st marks the first day of Black History Month. Throughout this month, I hope you are ready to learn about the contributions the black community has made for centuries. To start this learning journey off, I would like to talk about Molly Williams: Molly Williams was the first black female firefighter in the United States. As an enslaved woman in the early 19th century, she worked for Ben Aymar, a volunteer firefighter in New York City. During a severe snowstorm in 1818, Molly stepped in to assist Oceanus Engine Co #11, proving remarkable strength and bravery. She was described as working “as good as the men.” Her contributions challenged gender and racial barriers in firefighting paving the way for future women wanting to be in that field. Today she is recognized as a pioneer in fire service history. To read more about her story, here is a website you can visit https://owlcation.com/humanities/First-Female-Firefighter-in-the-United-States-Molly-Williams.

Local Events:

Pierce County https://www.piercecountywa.gov/7566/Celebrate-Black-History-Month

People's Community Center

Black History Celebrations

February 1-28, 2025

February 22, 2024; 12-4 pm: Hilltop Health Kids & Families Carnival
Daily; 5-7 pm: Black History Activities for Youth
Daily; Black History Trivia – Answer a trivia question to get free entry to the gym or weight room
Fridays; 5-7 pm: Open Art Activities for Youth

Tacoma Community College

Black Artists Exhibition

Feb. 1 – Feb. 28, 2025

https://www.tacomacc.edu/tcc-life/arts-culture/blackartists

The Black Night Market

Fourth Annual Black History Month Market

Feb. 23, 2025, 12 - 6 p.m.

Mount Tahoma High School

King County

Black History Month at Northwest African American Museum

Feb. 8-22

https://www.naamnw.org/events