Black history month is an annual celebration in the month of February. It is a time to reflect and be thankful for all the wonderful African-American trailblazers in the past and present. BHM began in 1926 when historian, Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History announced the second week of February to be a celebration of African-American Heritage. The week was chosen because it coincides with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, both dates that black communities celebrated together since the late 19th century. Black history is full of amazing prosperous people and events.
Black History Month is commonly known as African-American History. It is important to remember the contributions and achievements of African-Americans throughout the nation. The idea of Black history week becoming a month was proposed by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969. They held a celebration one year later in 1970. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded African-American Week into a full month which we still celebrate to this day. He said the country should seize the opportunity to honor the neglected accomplishments of African-Americans in every endeavor throughout history.
The month of February is a time for people to learn even more about the richness that is black history. It is a time to teach the younger generation of the positive things that have happened. February is also the month where people can think about positive things and history related to Black people instead of all the negative images that are all over the internet. BHM used to be the one month out of the year when a Black artist, scientist, actors, and activist could get recognition. This is the month to be Black and proud of your heritage. This is the month to be proud to be able to look at the TV screen and see someone who may look like you or hear about somebody with your skin color with the same achievement as you. Even though BHM is in February that does not mean it is the only month to celebrate black pride, black pride is a year-round celebration. “Every month is Black History Month.”
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