Black History Month goes beyond just a period of celebration; it is a reminder of perseverance and resilience.

Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1915. The goal of this was to promote and research Black history. 

The idea of Black History Month we know today originated in 1926 when he sent out a press release about “Negro History Week.” 

Woodson wanted “Negro History Week” to be in February because Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays were in February. These two men played a big role in shaping Black history. 

Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared enslaved people free. Douglass was an advocate for Black history through his writing and speaking. 

Woodson began to organize Negro History Week, centered on the African American past. He made the public extend their study case on Black history to increase his chances of making “Negro History Week” more successful. 

Woodson began to build on his new tradition. Instead of focusing only on the two men who made major contributions in Black history, he also began to focus on women who have played a big role in Black History. 

Negro History Week began to spread across the country in schools and communities. 

According to ASALH, as the 1920s came, urbanization and industrialization brought millions of African Americans to big cities. This helped the Black middle class expand its economy.

African-Americans began to receive an education, earn money and have the opportunity to engage with Black art, writing and cultural works. 

According to the Zinn Education Project, in 1937, another Black leader, Mary McLeod Bethune, pushed Woodson to create the Negro History Bulletin. This publication was designed to help schools and teachers obtain materials on the theme of Negro History Week. This was to help teach about Negro History Week in a more organized way.

As awareness increased, Negro History Week began to get more public attention. Mayors began to make proclamations to confirm Negro History Week was legal.

By the 1940s, Black teachers were teaching Negro history to students. During the Civil Rights Movement, schools incorporated Negro history into the curriculum to improve social change. 

The 1960s had a big effect on the study and celebration of Black history. Negro History Week slowly became Black History Month. 

In 1976, ASALH’s efforts to expand the celebration were successful. ASALH changed Negro History Week to Black History Month. 

Today, Black History Month is known as African American history. It reminds us of African Americans’ fight and strength. 

Now, common ways to celebrate Black History Month are going to museums, Black art and cultural showcases and community gatherings like festivals and parades. 

Overall, Black History Month is more than reflecting on the past; it reminds us of the impact African Americans have had on society. 

Black History Month encourages people to learn and acknowledge Black history not just in February, but throughout the year.

What started as Negro History Week has transformed into a month-long celebration of African Americans’ achievements and contributions throughout history.