Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, is an annual February recognition of African Americans and the critical role the group has played in both the founding and shaping of the United States of America.
First celebrated as “Negro Week” in 1926, Black History Month was founded by historian Carter
- Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland, stemming from a desire to promote achievements made by Black Americans, and more importantly the necessity to encourage the teaching of Black history in American schools. The month of February was chosen due to its inclusion of the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass (February 20).
In the 1960s, as the civil rights movement grew, “Negro Week” became Black History Month across many college and university campuses. In 1976, President Gerald Ford became the first leader of the United States of America to officially recognize Black History Month.
Since being recognized as an official heritage celebration, Black History Month has been assigned a theme for each year of its celebration. This year’s theme is “African Americans and Labor,” a theme intended to encompass all the ways Black people have historically and currently experience labor.
Recent years’ themes have been “Black Health and Wellness,” highlighting the achievements of scholars and practitioners in the medical fields, and “Black Resistance,” honoring those whose resistance led to justice and freedom for Black Americans.
The month-long celebration begins February 1 and will last until the final day of the month.
