History 101: Black History Month

Source: Kami

Black History Month is an essential observance for people all over the world to celebrate and learn about the rich history and culture of Black people and their contribution to the progression and improvement of society. It’s a time to honor the many accomplishments of Black people throughout history and recognize the challenges they’ve faced and overcome on the continuing journey to racial equality.

The celebration of Black History Month has its roots in the early 20th century when Black scholars and activists began to focus on preserving and promoting Black people’s history, stories, writings, and art. In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the creation of Negro History Week, which coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The goal of this week was to encourage the study of Black history in schools and universities — a mission that continues to this day!

Over time, the celebration of Negro History Week grew in popularity, and in the 1970s, Gerald Ford’s government expanded it to become Black History Month. Today, countries worldwide celebrate Black History Month!

The theme for Black History Month 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts,” decided by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). To learn more about this year’s theme, head to the annual themes page of the ASALH website, where it’s explained in detail.