February has come to be known as Black History Month — the annual observance dedicated to honoring the history and achievements of African Americans. It has been officially observed in the United States since 1976 when President Gerald Ford officially recognized the celebration. However, before it became a month-long observance, it began as something smaller.
Carter G. Woodson, often called “Father of Black History,” was a writer and historian who significantly advanced the field of African American studies. In 1915, he co-founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) with minister Jesse E. Moorland to promote the studying, preservation, and appreciation of African American history. It’s known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
In 1926, to promote the teaching of Black history in schools, Woodson and ASALH established the “Negro History Week” to occur in the second week February. The month was chosen because it includes the birthdays of abolitionist Fredick Douglass (Feb. 14)¹ and President Abraham Lincoln (Feb 12). Woodson believed that the contributions of African Americans were frequently overlooked or misrepresented by historians. He envisioned Negro History Week to honor the Black community and their history and achievements — things commonly ignored or credited to others. He believed that understanding Black history came with achieving racial equality. Although it lasted only a week, Woodson intended for it to encourage the teachings of Black history in schools year-round.
The establishment of Negro History Week inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize celebrations. In schools, African American history clubs were formed. Teachers and administrators led school assemblies and lectures highlighting Black history, which led ASALH to creating and distributing study materials to support such efforts. Outside of schools, communities organized performances and community-wide cultural events.
After its first observance, mayors of cities across the country began to officially recognize the week, turning it into an annual occurrence. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s further amplified the celebration of Negro History Week. On many college campuses, the week-long event turned into the entire month of February, being named “Black History Month.” It was first celebrated as a full month at Kent State University in February 1970.
This expansion on college campuses would lead President Gerald Ford to officially recognize Black History Month as a nationwide observation in 1976. He urged Americans to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Today, Black History Month continues to be a significant event for not only the Black community, but the entire nation. Since its establishment, every U.S. President has officially recognized Black History Month. What began as an effort to encourage the studying and teachings of Black history has grown into a broader celebration of culture and achievement, as well as the ongoing pursuit for total racial equality and justice.
¹ The precise date of Frederick Douglass’s birthday is unknown. In later life, Douglass chose to celebrate his birthday on Feb. 14.
