7 Facts about Black History Month

Black History month is an annual celebration where we get to recognize the different achievements that African Americans have achieved here in the United States. Here are 7 facts about the month long celebration:

1. In 1926, African American Historian, Carter G. Woodson considered “father of black history” was the first to set out time to promote and educate people about Black history and their culture
2. It was originally a week long celebration called “Negro History Week”
3. February was originally chosen because the second week of the month celebrates Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ birthday
4. President Gerald Ford recognized it as a month long celebration in 1976 during the bicentennial
5. Since 1976, each American president has dedicated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme (view past themes here: https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/ )
6. This year’s theme is “Black Health and Wellness”
7. Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Netherlands also celebrate Black History Month

Sources:

https://www.npr.org/2022/02/01/1075623826/why-is-february-black-history-month

https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-month

​​https://www.irishcentral.com/news/how-ireland-is-celebrating-national-black-history-month