Although we just came off of observing MLK day, the celebration of African American achievements continues as Black History Month begins on Saturday.
Where did the tradition of celebrating Black History Month come from? Let’s break it down.
How did Black History month start?
Black History Month began as Black Negro Week in 1926. Author and historian, Carter G. Woodson and Cleveland pastor, Jesse E. Moorland, co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro History Week in response to the lack of information on the accomplishments of Black people. At that time, very few people studied Black history.
The group declared the second week of February as Negro History Week. The association, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), chose that week to honor the likes of abolitionist Frederick Douglas and President Abraham Lincoln.
From a week to a month
During the next few decades, mayors of cities across the country issued yearly proclamations recognizing Negro History Week.
When the civil rights movement and anti-war movement were at their peaks in the 1960s, young Black people and white progressives were eager to organize against racism and the Vietnam War.
Black history clubs began to appear on many college campuses across the country. Students were some of the first to fully embrace the idea of Black History Month.
Kent State University was the first institution to establish a month-long celebration of Black History Month back in 1970.
In 1975, President Gerald Ford issued a message on the observance of Negro History Week, urging all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
The following year, ASALH expanded his observance, and Negro History Week officially became Black History Month, which every president since 1976 has endorsed.
How to celebrate Black History Month
To celebrate the month is simple. We can educate ourselves on the many people who have helped shape the Black community today.
We can also use the month to support Black-owned businesses or donate to non-profits/charities that work against racism and for equity and equality.
I would encourage us to go beyond Black History Month and educate ourselves on the Black community year round. Black history is American history. We are stronger together.