With a rich history, Black History Month is celebrated annually during the month of February for a time of reflection and acknowledgement of African American History. Recognized around the world in places such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, people globally celebrate the achievements of African American figures and their efforts to continue to strive for Black Excellence.
Originating in the summer of 1915 in Chicago, Illinois, scholars of the University of Chicago gathered together to annually celebrate the achievement of the amendments to abolish slavery. A notable figure in the history of this began by Carter G. Woodson, awarded a doctorate in Harvard, who gathered amongst thousands of African Americans all joined together to witness exhibits highlighting the progress of the rights of African Americans outside the Coliseum. On September 9, 1915, Woodson, A.L Jackson, Jesse E. Moorland, and 2 other members founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History which promoted the idea for society to reflect and educate themselves on the history of black lives. In 1924, Woodson encouraged his old college mates to continue to strive for achievement in sharing the history, so in return, they created the African American Achievement Week, which in 1926 was announced to be celebrated in February.
The significance of choosing February is based on the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14) who achieved certain accomplishments for African Americans. From previous years, communities have celebrated Abraham Lincoln’s birthday following his death, and Frederick Douglass’s achievements and Woodson centered African American Achievement week through this. With this, Woodson did not only want to recognize those two but also numerous African Americans of both genders to highlight the immense progress and developments that came from the black community. The ASALH (Association for the Study of African American Life and History) quickly gathered study materials, photographs, articles, and lessons for the high demand of teachers and clubs desiring to teach the history to pupils. His hopes to continue expanding his impact on the black community to not only seclude the celebration to a week, but continue making sure people were aware of African American history and all these successful figures who continuously brought justice for this Black Excellence. Officially in the 1960’s it became famously known as Black History Month.
Ways to support/celebrate Black History Month
- Read literature from Black artists and authors
- Donate to black communities/charities/organizations
- Support Black-owned business
- Explore the history of Black figures
Scott, Daryl Michael. “The Founders of Black History Month: The Origins of Black History Month.” ASALH, 18 Dec. 2024, asalh.org/about-us/origins-of-black-history-month/
