Black History Month
Honors the contributions and sacrifices of African American activists and leaders who have helped shape the nation.
What started off a "Negro History Week" turned into 'Black History Month".
How It Started
In 1915, in response to the lack of information on accomplishments of Black people available to the public, historian Carter G. Woodson co-founded the Association for the study of Negro Life and History. "Negro History Week" to recognize the contributions of African Americans to U.S history. Few people studied Black history and it wasn't included in textbooks prior to the creation of Negro History Week.
The week was chosen because it included birthdays of the famous Fredrick Douglas, an abolitionist who wanted to end slavery and former united states president Abraham Lincoln who led the U.S during the Civil War, which was primarily fought over the enslavement of black Americans. During that time many schools and leaders began recognizing the week after its creation.
The week-long event officially became Black History Month in 1976. Extended by former president Gerald Ford.
What It Honors
Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans throughout the years.