History of Black History Month
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. is a time to recognize the individuals, achievements, legacies and immeasurable contributions of Black Americans. Also known as African-American History Month, this annual observance started long before it was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford.
The predecessor of Black History Month was created in 1926 by historian Carter Woodson and the . Dr. Woodson (the second African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard) established the second week of February as βNegro History Weekβ β choosing this time because it coincided with the birth of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14). βNegro History Weekβ grew in popularity over the following decades, with mayors around the country endorsing it as a holiday.
The idea of was proposed in 1969 at Kent State University by Black educators and students, and the first celebration took place there the following year. By the time President Ford encouraged Americans to βseize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history,β in 1976, Black History Month was being celebrated at educational institutions, centers of Black culture and community centers all over the country.
Now, Black History Month is celebrated annually in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Germany. Each year has a theme, and the theme for 2022 is .
Black History Month Events in ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ City
Are you in ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ City and interested in getting more involved in celebrating Black History Month? Weβve compiled a list of a few events taking place in the city this month:
- Thursday, Feb. 10 at noon: virtual presentation by Nicka Smith (Zoom)
- Thursday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.: (ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ History Center)
- Monday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.: (Ralph Ellison Library)
- Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m.: (Zoom)
- Monday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.: (Ralph Ellison Library)
- Feb. 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 10 a.m.: : Highlighting Black Veterans (Online)
- Weekdays in Feb. from noon to 1 p.m.: (Various locations)
- Feb. 1-28: (Ralph Ellison Library)
- Ongoing: (ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ Hall of Fame)
This month and beyond, consider shopping at Black-owned businesses, dining at Black-owned restaurants, reading books, articles, etc. written by Black writers, and supporting Black-owned companies and organizations in whatever way you are able.
Resources for learning about Black history
Besides celebrating and recognizing Black Americans, Black History Month is also a great opportunity for people who arenβt Black to get educated on Black American history and the challenges Black Americans still face.
- this February as the ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion highlights Black civil rights leaders doing the work right here in ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½.
- Black History is ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ History β learn more about Black history in ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ and find resources about the Black experience in ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ at the
- Read stories of notable Black ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ns and their histories in .
