Black History Month got its start 100 years ago, in 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an African American, promoted Negro History Week in February.
In 1915, Harvard historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded what is today known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in order to bring awareness to the African American people who had made contributions to society, but had been forgotten or left out of the narrative.
In 1926, the men were looking for a way to make those previously unsung contributions of African Americans known to the public.
The time was selected because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln which had been notable dates for the black community since the start of the twentieth century.
Before Black History Month was the entirety of February, it was only celebrated for one week. It wasn’t until the 1960s that colleges and universities began to expand the recognition of African American history to the full month.
In 1976 it evolved into a month-long celebration in 1976 and became a national holiday when President Gerald Ford recognized “the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history” in a speech to mark the United States Bicentennial.
It is a time for all Americans to reflect on both the history and teachings of African Americans, and to focus on the progress, richness and diversity of African American achievements.
Black History Month has no overall coordinating body – anybody can organise an event. Consequently, every year sees an eclectic mix – from historical walks to seminars – organised by, for example, local authorities, schools, and voluntary organisations.
