It Began as a week
In 1915, Carter G. Woodson began the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This organization strived to research and advertise achievements made by Black people. Woodson created Negro History week to encourage schools to teach about Black history. Now known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the organization established Negro History Week in 1926.
A Week Turns Into a month
By the late 1960s, Negro History Week turned into what is known today as Black History Month. During that time, the Civil Rights Movement helped allow Negro History Week to become a month-long celebration. Even colleges and Universities celebrated Black History Month. In 1970, Kent State University was one of the first to establish Black History Month as a celebration by students, faculty and administrators. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford recognized Black History Month.
Why February?
Negro History Week was during the second week of February. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays coincide during this time. Lincoln is known for the Emancipation Proclamation, which was thought to free all enslaved people, and Douglass, a formerly enslaved person, was an influential leader during the Abolitionist Movement. Therefore, being seen as symbols of Black Americans’ freedom. Due to this, Woodson created Negro History Week around their birthdays.
Black history month themes
When Woodson created Negro History Week, he also created themes. He realized the importance of having a theme to hook the public. This year’s theme is Black Health and Wellness, to acknowledge health care providers and medical students. You can find the list of previous year’s themes here.
The beginning of Black History Month began over a century ago. Since Woodson established this celebration, it has changed, but Black History Month is still acknowledged every year and remains essential to U.S. History. This celebration allows the appreciation and acknowledgment of efforts made by Black communities. It’s crucial to do this every year, in order to keep the freedoms and rights that Black people have today that many died for. This article helps give tips on what white people can do when celebrating Black History Month.
