Black History Month was initially celebrated as "Negro History Week" in February 1926. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-trained historian, and several other gentlemen established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). He became concerned that American History did not include the achievements of Black Americans and people of African descent. Dr. Woodson chose the month of February because it incorporated the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln on February 12th and Frederick Douglass on February 14th, two men who made significant contributions to the lives of Black men and women in the United States. In 1976 President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized African American History Month, and each successive President has issued African American History Month proclamations.
In 1972 the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) became the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Every year the ASALH establishes a theme for Black History Month. The theme for 2024 is African Americans and the Arts.
Reference
Scott, D. M. (2011). Origins of Black History Month. ASALH. https://asalh.org/about-us/origins-of-black-history-month/
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