By The Roots of Black History Month
From a Single Week to a Global Movement: The Roots of Black History Month
​Every February, classrooms, businesses, and government institutions pause to honor the achievements of Black Americans. While the celebration is now a staple of the cultural calendar, its origins weren’t a result of a sudden executive order. Instead, it was the product of decades of meticulous planning, academic rigor, and a deep-seated desire to correct a skewed historical narrative.
​The Vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson
​The journey began in 1926, spearheaded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Known today as the “Father of Black History,” Woodson was a formidable scholar, historian, and journalist who recognized a glaring void in the American education system. He believed that the contributions of African Americans were being intentionally ignored or erased. To combat this, he founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and launched “Negro History Week.”
​Why February?
​Woodson strategically chose the second week of February for a very specific reason. This week coincided with the birthdays of two men who loomed large in the African American struggle for freedom: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. By anchoring the celebration to these established figures, Woodson ensured that the initiative gained immediate traction and public recognition.
​The Evolution into a National Month
​As the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum in the 1960s, the call to expand the celebration grew louder. Educators and students on college campuses began pushing for a more comprehensive study of Black heritage that couldn’t be contained within seven days.
​In 1976, exactly fifty years after the first week-long observance….. the ASALH successfully institutionalized the shift from a week to a full month. This era also marked a linguistic transition from “Negro History” to Black History, reflecting the evolving identity of the community.
​A Presidential Tradition
​The significance of the month was further solidified when President Gerald Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans.” Since the mid 1970s, every U.S. President, regardless of political affiliation, has issued an annual proclamation officially recognizing February as Black History Month.
​Today, the month serves as both a celebration of past triumphs and a vital reminder of the ongoing journey toward equity. What started as a small academic endeavor has blossomed into a global period of reflection, ensuring that the legacy of Black excellence is never forgotten.
