Westerville Honors Black History Month

The Origins of Black History Month

Created in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, Negro History Week served as the precursor to what is now known as Black History Month in the United States. Negro History Week was observed during the second week of February and coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglas (February 14). Woodson felt deeply that at least one week would allow for the general movement to become something annually celebrated. 

Woodson’s primary motivation for creating Negro History Week, was his feeling that the teaching of black history was essential to ensure the physical and intellectual survival of the race within broader society:

“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated. The American Indian left no continuous record. He did not appreciate the value of tradition; and where is he today? The Hebrew keenly appreciated the value of tradition, as is attested by the Bible itself. In spite of worldwide persecution, therefore, he is a great factor in our civilization.”

-Carter G. Woodson

Initially, Negro History Week placed an emphasis on the coordinated teaching of the history of black Americans in the nation's public schools. The first Negro History Week was observed and supported by the departments of education of the states of North Carolina, Delaware, and West Virginia as well as the city school administrations of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Negro History Week grew in popularity throughout the following decades, with mayors across the United States endorsing it as a holiday. In addition to this, Negro History Week gained growing support at the state and federal levels of government. This growing support led to the creation of the modern version of Black History Month in the United States.

Black History Month was first proposed by black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later, from January 2 to February 28, 1970.

Six years later, Black History Month was being celebrated all across the country in educational institutions, centers of Black culture and community centers, both great and small, when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976, during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. He urged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." 

For more information and a detailed history of the creation of Black History Month, please visit the following:

• WeRISE | Black History Month Events & Activities
• Library of Congress | blackhistorymonth.gov
  • Black History Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide
  • Resources for Teachers
• The Smithsonian Institution | National Museum of African American History & Culture 
• The History Channel | Black History Month
• Association for the Study of African American Life and History | Black History Themes