February is Black History Month

Every year, Americans recognize February as Black History Month. The month is dedicated to recognizing the achievements of African Americans and celebrating the role they have played in the history of the United States.

Black History Month, also known as National African American Month, has been recognized by all U.S. Presidents since 1976. Canada also recognizes Black History Month each February, while countries such as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands celebrate in October.

In the United States, Black History Month traces its start back to 1915, The organization that is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History was founded by historian Carter Woodson and minister Jesse Moorland.

Just over a decade later, the first Negro History Week was observed in 1926. The second week of February was chosen for the observance in honor of the birthdays of two men who played a substantial role in ensuring the rights and freedoms of African Americans, Abraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass.

This first event gave birth to what we now know as Black History Month. In 1976, Gerald Ford became the first president to officially proclaim the February observance. Every U.S. president since has followed suit. Each year, the achievements of African Americans are recognized with a designated theme. The theme for 2018 is African Americans in Times of War.

Celebrate Black History Month with these ideas:

• Learn about the contributions African Americans have made in American history and society. Choose one African American to study in-depth.
• Learn about Civil Rights activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks.
• Learn about important moments in the Civil Rights movement.
• Read biographies about influential African Americans or popular books by black authors.
• African Americans have been instrumental in the development of several music genres and styles of dance. Learn about some of these such as jazz, blues, hip-hop, or swing.
• Look for a local venue, such as a history museum, to learn about African American leaders and history related to your state or town.
• If you live near a site that played a pivotal role in African American history, go visit it.
• Watch a movie or documentary that relates to the topic.