Black History Month celebrates African Americans’ incredible achievements and contributions while shining a light on their often-overlooked role in U.S. history. It all started with an idea from Carter G. Woodson, often called the “Father of Black History.” Born in 1875 to enslaved parents, Woodson became one of the first Black Americans to earn a doctorate from Harvard. He was passionate about making sure Black history was recognized and taught.
In 1926, Woodson and the organization he co-founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), came up with Negro History Week. They picked the second week of February because it included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14).
Over the years, the idea caught on, especially in schools and communities. During the 60’s, people began pushing for a month of recognition instead of just a week. In 1970, Kent State University became the first institution to celebrate Black History Month, thanks to efforts by Black students and faculty.
Then, in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month. He encouraged everyone to take the time to learn about and honor the many accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. Congress passed a Public Law designating February as “National Black History Month” in 1986.
Today, Black History Month is celebrated in the U.S. Germany, and Canada in February and the UK and Ireland (in October). Each country brings its unique history and perspective to the observance.
Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity, and contributions of African Americans. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing work needed to achieve true equality.
Notable Black Athletes
Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Bill Russell, Gabby Douglas, Jack Johnson, Jackie Robinson, Jerry Rice, Jesse Owens, Jim Brown, Joe Louis, Lia Neal, Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams, Willie Mays, Wilma Rudolph, Simone Biles
Related Days
Abraham Lincoln, African American Coaches Day, Black America’s Day Of Repentance, Black Awareness Day, Black Barber Shop Appreciation Day, Black Business Month, Black Girl Day Off, Black Girl Magic Day, Black Hiv/Aids Awareness Day, Black Literacy Day, Black Marketers Day, Black Poetry Day, Black Press Day, Black Women In Jazz & The Arts Month, Black Women In Jazz And The Arts Day, Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, Black Women’s History Month, International Day Of The African Child, Lyndon B. Johnson, Malcom X Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, Rosa Parks Day
