Scurlock Studio Records Archives Center NMAH, Smithsonian Institution
Black History Month, celebrated annually in February, is a time to honor the significant contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout U.S. history. The observance has evolved over the years, from its origins as a week-long event to its current month-long recognition.
Black History Month begins with Carter G. Woodson, a noted historian and the son of formerly enslaved people. Woodson recognized the lack of information about Black Americans in history books and the prevailing narrative that minimized their contributions. In 1926, he launched “Negro History Week” to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
READ: Bill Filed To Establish Florida Museum Of Black History In St. Johns County
The week-long event gained momentum throughout the following decades, with mayors across the country issuing proclamations recognizing it. By the late 1960s, with the rise of the Civil Rights Movement and a growing awareness of Black identity, many college campuses had expanded the week into Black History Month.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Since then, every U.S. president has officially designated February as Black History Month.
Black History Month serves as a reminder of the significant contributions Black Americans have made to the nation’s history, culture, and progress. It is a time to celebrate achievements, acknowledge struggles, and educate future generations about the rich and complex history of Black Americans.
Each year, Black History Month has a specific theme. The theme for 2025 is “Black Resistance,” which explores how Black Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, from America’s earliest days into the present.
Throughout February, schools, communities, and organizations across the country hold events and activities to commemorate Black History Month. These include:
- Lectures and discussions
- Film screenings and exhibits
- Performances and concerts
- Special events and celebrations
Black History Month provides a platform for recognizing the remarkable achievements of Black Americans, reflecting on their struggles, and promoting a deeper understanding of their crucial role in U.S. history.
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