Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States and observed in February. Black History Month provides all of us a great opportunity to celebrate Black Americans’ many achievements throughout U.S. history. Since 1976 when President Gerald Ford proclaimed February to be Black History Month, this annual celebration has recognized the contributions of Black Americans to our country.
Carter Woodson and Jesse Moorland founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. One of their goals was to encourage local communities to organize local celebrations and encourage study in schools. Later in 1926 they established Negro History week, with February being chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Following the civil rights movement in the 1960’s, Black History Month was proclaimed.
All people, regardless of race or place, deserve the same rights and freedoms. For too long, Black and brown people in America have been denied equality because of the color of their skin. This is our opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans in this country, despite the history of racism and oppression.