Black History Month
February is Black History Month, also called African American History Month. Originally this celebration was known as Negro History Week and was started in 1926 by the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and its founder Carter G. Woodson. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
Following the initiation of the event there was an overwhelming amount of support and interest among both blacks and whites. There was an influx in local celebrations and groups endorsing the idea. Soon not just small groups of people but whole communities were recognizing Negro History Week each year. The Civil Rights Movement brought even more support and by the time the country’s bicentennial arrived Negro History Week had expanded into Black History Month and was officially recognized by President Gerald R. Ford. Every president since has also recognized Black History Month and there is also recognition in Canada and the United Kindgom.
Black History Month is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the roles played by African Americans throughout history and give recognition to their contributions. There are many prominent African American inventors, performers, athletes, writers, artists, politicians, activists, etc. who have inspiring stories. It is easy to celebrate this Black History Month. Take some time to learn about one of the many African American contributions, how they influenced a particular event, or the life of someone who did something moving.
February is Black History Month, also called African American History Month. Originally this celebration was known as Negro History Week and was started in 1926 by the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and its founder Carter G. Woodson. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
Following the initiation of the event there was an overwhelming amount of support and interest among both blacks and whites. There was an influx in local celebrations and groups endorsing the idea. Soon not just small groups of people but whole communities were recognizing Negro History Week each year. The Civil Rights Movement brought even more support and by the time the country’s bicentennial arrived Negro History Week had expanded into Black History Month and was officially recognized by President Gerald R. Ford. Every president since has also recognized Black History Month and there is also recognition in Canada and the United Kindgom.
Black History Month is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the roles played by African Americans throughout history and give recognition to their contributions. There are many prominent African American inventors, performers, athletes, writers, artists, politicians, activists, etc. who have inspiring stories. It is easy to celebrate this Black History Month. Take some time to learn about one of the many African American contributions, how they influenced a particular event, or the life of someone who did something moving.