February is Black History Month.
Why is Black History Month Celebrated in February?
You might have asked yourself this question out of curiosity. In fact, you may be wondering where and when Black History month originated? To answer this, we must engage in a brief lesson in history.
It all began with historian Carter G. Woodson, who started what he called Negro History Week in February of 1926. He was a driven and passionate person who believed that all children should be educated about African American history. Woodson’s entire purpose was to educate and highlight African American culture, and also to fight for equality through the positive celebration of black heroes.
He chose the second week of February since it coincides with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Along with Woodson’s work to create a week to celebrate black history, the 1920’s brought with it a heightened interest in black culture, such as was seen in the Harlem Renaissance. In combination with movements throughout the United States, the idea of taking a period of time to celebrate black history began to catch on in many communities.
Afterwards, some communities adopted the entire month of February as an unofficial Black History Month, but it wasn’t until 1976 when President Gerald Ford recognized it and encouraged Americans to participate in a month-long observance. Today, it still takes place in February, and serves as an important conversation point in schools and in our everyday lives.