Harvard-educated historian Carter G. Woodson is credited with creating Black History Month. His idea was created in 1915 after attending a celebration in Illinois for the 50th anniversary of the 13th amendment which abolished slavery in 1863 under Abraham Lincoln's presidency. Woodson encouraged the study of the accomplishments made by Black Americans after he formed what is now named the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH).
The Black History celebrations expanded to a week-long event, and February was selected to align with President Lincoln and Frederick Douglass's birthdays. Many years later, the celebration and study of Black history was inspired in communities across the country. Thus, President Gerald Ford declared Black History Month official.
Illustration by Onyinye Iwu
The month of honoring and showing (extra) recognition for African Americans who have paved numerous paths for America today is among us! Happy Black History Month! Although Black history should be celebrated every day of every year, this is a special month in America for us to acknowledge how American history has been shaped, challenged, shifted, and strengthened.
Black history includes a plethora of historic activists, creators, inventors, artists, athletes, writers, poets, singers, and actors, etc. whose names and faces are not remembered today. However, it is critical to know and understand how far our Black visionaries have brought us. Many have fought tirelessly for the upbringing of all Black lives not just for us existing today but for many generations to come. And although the fight is not over, we must remain hopeful and faithful in knowing that positive systemic changes will continue to prevail with the help of our voices and actions.
Despite a tragic American history that saw Black people bought and sold into slavery, a continuing fight against racial injustice and inequity, systematic racism, and social issues such as police brutality, we have remained strong. That is something to forever celebrate. Black Americans confront a disheartening past while making countless cultural contributions such as (including but not limited to) classic books, heartfelt poems, beauty brands, unique + creative small businesses, films, and even inventions that we use and see on an everyday basis.
It is especially important to look at ourselves as a diverse nation.
"One cannot discuss the African American freedom struggle or the civil rights movement without paying attention to white allies who were working alongside Black people. One of the biggest issues we see, especially for those non-black folks, is that the emphasis on black history is divisive and some mistakenly label it 'racist.' But, if we continue to emphasize that all Americans worked towards these common goals, then everyone can see themselves as part of the larger mission."
-Lionel Kimble
Ways you can support Black History Month from home!
- Support a Black business
- Donate to a Black organization
- Spend time with a Black elder in your community
- Read a book by a Black author
- Sign up to mentor a Black child in your community
- Donate to an HBCU
- Learn about an unsung (s)hero of Black history
- Support a Black creative (artist, poet, local musician, etc.)
- Study the African Diaspora
- Explore Black Music
- Call out racism and prejudice in your community
- Engage in healthy conversations about Black history on social media
- Decorate your home with Black Art
- Read a biography of an influential Black figure
- Write a Black children's Book
- Register to vote!
