How did Black History Month come about?
The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to the founder of ASALH, Carter G. Woodson. In 1915, Woodson was visiting Chicago for the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation sponsored by the state of Illinois. The immense popularity of the celebrations and interest in the black exhibitions held in the city gave Woodson the idea of creating “an organization to promote the scientific study of black life and history.” Before he left Chicago, he founded what became ASALH.
Over the next decade, Woodson spent time encouraging different groups and organizations to promote the findings black intellectuals were publishing about black historical achievements. In 1924, the fraternity Omega Psi Phi created Negro History and Literature Week, which they renamed Negro Achievement week. But by 1926, Woodson believed he and ASALH should spearhead the effort to publicize and popularize the celebration of black achievements. And in 1926, they created Negro History Week.
The popularity of Negro History Week spread across the country over the ensuing decades. Led by Woodson, ASALH came up with a theme every year and provided study materials for history clubs, schools, and municipalities who wished to celebrate the festivities. The result of this yearly celebration led to members of the black community pushing for more black history to be taught in schools by the 1940s.
Beginning in the 40s, some communities began expanding celebrations beyond a week and going the entire month of February. This grew more across the United States, into the 1960s when black college students also began calling for a month-long celebration.
Those efforts eventually paid off. Black History Month was officially observed in 1976 via a proclamation from President Gerald Ford. In 1986, February was officially designated as “National Black History Month” via a joint resolution by the House and Senate.
For a more detailed and full in-depth dive into the history and origins of black history month (where the above material was sourced) click here.
Black History Month Resources
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution takes a look at some of the most prominent individuals, events and stories that have impacted America, over the course of Black History Month. For more information, click here.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is hosting a series of events, tours, and activities. For more information, click here.
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society. For more information, click here.
