Black / African-American History Month
Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month.
It originated in1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson instituted the first week-long celebration to raise awareness of African Americans' contributions to history. The intent was to have a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. The celebration evolved into what is now African-American History month, celebrated in February in the United States and Canada, while in Ireland, and the United Kingdom it is observed in October. Dr. Woodson chose the second week in February because it coincided with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln - dates which black communities had celebrated since the 19th century.
The first celebration of Black History Month was launched by black educators and students at Kent State University (OH) in 1970. Six years later, Black History Month was being celebrated in education settings across the United States. The annual observance has grown since then and by 2020, had grown beyond schools. It has been described as "a time when the culture and contributions of African Americans take center stage" in many cultural institutions including theaters, libraries and museums.
This year's theme, selected by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is "Black Resistance" and is meant to bring awareness to the many ways Black people have worked to promote equality and resist racism.
