Black History Month Explained: Who Started It, Why It's in February and More Facts You Should Know

is an entire month devoted to putting a spotlight on African Americans who have made contributions to our country. Originally, it was seen as a way of teaching students and young people about the contributions of Black and African Americans in school, as they had been often forgotten or left out of the narrative of the growth of America. Now, it is seen as a celebration of those who’ve impacted not just the country, but the world with their activism and achievements.

In 1926, the men were looking for a way to make those previously unsung contributions of African Americans known to the public. And so began Negro History Week. Before Black History month was an entire month long, it was only celebrated for one week in February. It wasn’t until the 1960s that colleges and universities began to expand the recognition of African American history to the full month of February.

It was made a national holiday in 1976, when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month, and it became the month-long celebration that we know today.looking towards the future of Black Americans and celebrating Black Future Month in conjunction with Black History Month.The fight for Black History month was not so much a fight as it was a movement.

The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of two men in particular, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, and Douglass, whose true date of birth is unknown, celebrated his birthday on February 14. Both men were widely celebrated by the black communities at the start of Negro History Week in 1926. According to the, “Woodson built Negro History Week around traditional days of commemorating the black past.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

The 'Hair Love' Oscar Is a Win for Black Hair, Black Fathers, and Black Creators'These long-deprived voices deserve more than an opening song-and-dance sequence. They deserve trophies, and HairLove's win should be the rule, not the exception.'
Source: ELLE Magazine (US) - 🏆 472. / 51 Read more »

The 'Hair Love' Oscar Is a Win for Black Hair, Black Fathers, and Black Creators'These long-deprived voices deserve more than an opening song-and-dance sequence. They deserve trophies, and HairLove's win should be the rule, not the exception.'
Source: ELLE Magazine (US) - 🏆 472. / 51 Read more »

Nelson Mandela, Frederick Douglass & More Notable Black History Month Figures to Celebrate This WeekAll month long, we are honoring those who have impacted the world with their activism, inventions, achievements and more
Source: people - 🏆 712. / 51 Read more »

Black History Month: Spotlighting Debra Martin Chase, Terence Blanchard and Other Artisans Making a DifferenceIn honor of Black History Month, Variety continues to shine a spotlight on African American artisans who have made their mark on Hollywood. Among those are costume designer Paul Tazewell, who won a…
Source: Variety - 🏆 108. / 63 Read more »

In Honor of Black History Month, 10 Heroes You May Not Have Heard OfThese are life stories worth knowing.
Source: marieclaire - 🏆 102. / 63 Read more »

'Stars in the Sky': A History of Black Flight AttendantsBlackHistoryMonth: Casey Grant, one of the first black flight attendants, tells the story of her time as a 'fly girl' traveling the world. However, she says, it was not without racial prejudice and discrimination both on the ground and in-flight BLACK HISTORY-American History! psychology of ostracize.. ..to exclude from a group by common consent
Source: NBCNews - 🏆 10. / 86 Read more »