Where Did Black History Month Begin?

You might not have heard of the man, but you have certainly heard of his legacy. Dr Carter G Woodson began the celebration we now recognize as Black History month.

Dr. Carter G Woodson was a black American scholar. He earned a PhD from Harvard. He recognized that black history was not included in his studies. He saw that when blacks were seen in history books, it was in a way that portrayed them as inferior.

In response, Dr. Carter G Woodson started the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915. The association is now called the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, but it continues to thrive. Dr. Carter G Woodson is also responsible for the Journal of Negro History.

Black History Month began in 1926 as Negro History Week. Dr. Carter G Woodson used this as a way to bring to light the contributions of black people to American history. It was the second week of February because of the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two men who he felt were influential to black Americans.

Other important dates in February for African Americans are February 1, 1960 the day college students organized a civil rights sit-in at a Woolworth's counter in Greensboro, North Carolina.

On February 3, 1970 African-Americans were given the right to vote in the 15^th Amendment.

On February 12, 1909 the NAACP was founded.

On February 23, 1868 WEB DuBois was born.

On February 25, 1870 the first black senator, Hirim R Revels was sworn in.

In 1976 Black History Week (changed from Negro History Week) became Black History Month.

Black History Month is widely celebrated but can be controversial among African-Americans. Many people ask why black history is given its own special month when black history is a part of American history. Other people celebrate the idea of a month specifically devoted to celebrating the history of African-Americans in the United States.

The best way to celebrate Black History Month is to learn something new about African-American history. No matter your heritage, it's a topic worth learning about.