Black History Month is the month of February honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Celebrating Black History Month provides an opportunity for people to be able understand black histories from racism, slavery and beyond. Not only does Black History Month bring out the events of the past but it also dives into current events.
Black History Month first became a national holiday in 1976 when President Gerald Ford 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.” With this said, not only does the month of February remember the fights of African Americans to have equal rights but it also recognizes their accomplishments.
Black History Month used to not always be a month. It used to be just one week referred to as “Negro History Week.” The reason Black History Month takes place in February is because originally the week coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas, two men who played an enormous role in abolishing slavery.
It all started when Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History” made an organization called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. With Black History Month becoming a national holiday for America, new and different cultures have been more known and accepted.
Sources: www.history.com. Medium.com. www.npr.org. Chicagoreader.com.