Let’s Talk Black History Month

“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated” - Carter G. Woodson

February is Black History month, so I thought this was a great time to discuss and share the history of Black History Month. Black History Month grew out of “Negro History Week.” This was the brainchild of Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African-Americans.

They chose the second week in February in 1926 to celebrate “Negro History Week.” I remember for years I wondered why WE had the shortest month. I mean technically WE deserve a whole year, but I digress. Well, the week was chosen because it was the same week of the birthdays of former President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. If you don’t know who Frederik Douglass is, get to googling.

In 1915 (September), the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent.

Soon mayors of cities across the country began issuing yearly proclamations recognizing Negro History Week. By the late 1960s, thanks in part to the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of Black identity, Negro History Week had evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses.

By 1976 Black History Month was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford. 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.” Yes, only since 1976. Not that long ago.

Since then, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.

Now you have a little history of Black History Month. I encourage you to do more research to learn more about OUR history.