7 Essential Insights into Black History Month

The impact of Black Americans on our society is profound, spanning scientific advancements, globally celebrated innovations, and enduring artistic masterpieces. Black History Month provides an opportunity to honor the pioneering Black figures who have significantly improved our world and to shed light on achievements that have historically been overlooked. Discover the origins of Black History Month by continuing to read.

1. The foundation for Black History Month was laid by Carter G. Woodson in 1926.

Carter G. Woodson, born to parents who were once enslaved, became one of the earliest Black scholars to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard. As a dean at Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C., he was troubled by the neglect of Black history and the achievements of Black Americans by white academics. He established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History to encourage the exploration of African American history. He also participated in the National Half Century Exposition and the Lincoln Jubilee in 1915, a Chicago event commemorating 50 years since Emancipation. Motivated by this experience, Woodson launched the first Negro History Week in 1926 to honor and celebrate Black heritage. The Pittsburgh Courier noted that the initiative was “welcomed enthusiastically across the nation.”

2. February was selected to pay tribute to Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

Woodson intentionally scheduled Negro History Week for the second week of February to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 1818), two figures held in the highest regard by Black Americans.

3. Kent State University initiated a month-long observance of Black history in 1970.

Before the national recognition of Black History Month in 1976, Ohio’s Kent State University began celebrating it in 1970. Students and faculty dedicated February to honoring Black culture, led by the Black United Students (BUS) group on campus. While BUS participated in Woodson’s week-long event, they felt it was inadequate. Leaders Carl Gregory and Dwayne White advocated for a month-long celebration, which was approved by dean of student affairs Milton Wilson. This made Black History Month an annual tradition at the university.

4. The United States first officially recognized Black History Month in 1976.

The White House first observed Black History Month in 1976 when President Gerald Ford urged Americans to “recognize the often-overlooked achievements of Black Americans in every field throughout history.” Since then, every U.S. president has formally acknowledged February as Black History Month. In 1986, Congress officially enshrined the month’s designation into law.

5. Each year, Black History Month is celebrated with a unique theme.

Since its inception in the 1920s, Black History Month has incorporated themes to provide a focused lens for learning and celebration. These themes often reflect the political and cultural climate of the era. For instance, 2022’s theme was “Black Health and Wellness,” while 2020’s theme, ahead of a pivotal election, was “African Americans and the Vote.” Past themes have included 1929’s “Possibility of Putting Negro History in the Curriculum,” 1951’s “Eminent Negroes in World Affairs,” and 1972’s “African Art, Music, Literature; a Valuable Cultural Experience.” The 2024 theme is “African Americans and the Arts.”

6. In the UK, Black History Month is observed in October.

The UK celebrates its version of Black History Month every October to honor African and Caribbean immigrants. Initiated by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo of the Greater London Council in 1987, the month features educational and cultural programs highlighting influential Black figures in British history. October 1987 was selected to mark the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation.

7. Canada’s House of Commons formally acknowledged Black History Month in 1995.

In Canada, Black History Month was officially recognized by the House of Commons in 1995, following a motion by Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black woman in Parliament and a cabinet minister. The motion passed unanimously. In 2008, Donald Oliver, the first Black man in the Senate, proposed a motion to designate February as Black History Month nationwide, which also received unanimous approval.