This article explores the history of Black History Month, tracing its roots from Negro History Week founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 to its recognition as a national celebration. It highlights the efforts of organizations like the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in expanding the observance. The article also discusses the significance of Black History Month in schools, communities, and families, emphasizing its importance in understanding the integral role of Black history in the American narrative.
The history of the month dates back almost a century, and the way it is celebrated and evolved has created history in itself.
After he passed away in 1950, the members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, which Dr. Woodson was a member of, did a lot of groundwork to encourage celebrating the week. The fraternity was also responsible for the push to extend the celebrations to a full month. Eventually, in 1976, President Gerald Ford became the first president to issue a message recognizing the month.
“We may be more familiar with the more public ways, but there are also a lot more intimate ways in which these messages are spread and the way that the holiday is propagated,” Hayes said. Whitehead also stresses that Black history shouldn’t just be taught for the month of February, but rather taught and celebrated for the entire year.
Black history doesn't rely on a presidential proclamation, Whitehead and others said. Whitehead said Black people don’t need permission to mark the month.
Culture BLACK HISTORY MONTH CARTER G. WOODSON AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE LABOR HISTORY
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