WHY WE CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN FEBRUARY AND ITS ORIGINS

Black History Month began nearly a century ago as “Negro History Week.” It started as a large celebration of the ratification of the 13th Amendment which emancipated the former slaves. It was Carter G. Woodson who was inspired to promote the achievements that researchers were discovering, which gave birth to the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Today, this organization is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. In 1926, Negro History Week took place in the second week of February. The date was chosen to take advantage of the ongoing celebrations of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. Woodson desired to transform the celebrations to celebrate the countless contributions that African American men and women made to the advancement of human civilization. President Ford provided political backing in 1975 urging all Americans to recognize the important contribution made to American life and culture by black citizens. In 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244 which designated February National Black History Month. The law also directed the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe February as Black History Month with the appropriate ceremonies and activities.  In 1996, President Clinton issued Presidential Proclamation 6863 for National African American History Month which then further emphasized the achievements of black women in history. Each year following, Presidents have issued proclamations in celebration of the achievements of African American people. Black History Month continues to be celebrated as a staple of how African Americans have contributed and continue to the advancement of humanity.