Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is an annual celebration that recognizes the remarkable achievements and pivotal role of African Americans in U.S. history. Let’s delve into its origins and significance:
Origins of Black History Month:
The story of Black History Month began in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.
In September of that year, historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).
The ASNLH aimed to research and promote achievements by Black Americans and other people of African descent.
In 1926, they initiated a national Negro History Week, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
Schools and communities across the nation organized local celebrations, history clubs, performances, and lectures.
By the late 1960s, influenced by the civil rights movement and growing awareness of Black identity, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses.
Official Recognition:
In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month.
He called upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Since then, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.