Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History," launched "Negro History Week" in February of 1926.
Black History Month can trace it's origins back to the "Father of Black History," Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson was an American author, historian, and scholar, focusing his studies on African Diaspora and African American History.
In 1915, Dr. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now known as Association for the Study of African American life and History (ASALH)) to combat misinformation about black history and culture (ASALH).
The Association created two research and publication journals for black scholars: The Journal of African American History (1916), and the Negro History Bulletin (1937).
Sources
The Black United Students first Black culture center (Kuumba House), where many events of the first Black History Month celebration took place.
The Library of Congress states Dr. Woodson established Negro History Week in Febrary 1936, choosing the second week of February to commemorate the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
According to Vanderbilt University, the Civil Rights Movement created a growing awareness of Black pride and identity, eventually evolving Negro History Week into Black History Month on many college campuses.
In 1975, President Gerald Ford issued a Message on the Observance of Black History Week urging all Americans to "recognize the important contribution made to our nation's life and culture by black citizens."
Negro History Week was celebrated every February until 1976, when the ASALH expanded the celebration throughout the entirety of February, becoming Black History Month. 1976 also saw President Ford issue a Message on the Observance of Black History Month, honoring the month-long observance.
In 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244, officially designating February as"National Black History Month." (Library of Congress).
Sources
Black History Month is celebrated every February to commemorate the history, culture, and achievements of black Americans and people of African descent.
In 2016, President Barack Obama, America's first black president, issued a statement honoring Black History Month. In his statement, President Obama states,
"Now, we gather to celebrate Black History Month, and from our earliest days, black history has been American history. We’re the slaves who quarried the stone to build this White House; the soldiers who fought for our nation’s independence, who fought to hold this union together, who fought for freedom of others around the world. We’re the scientists and inventors who helped unleash American innovation. We stand on the shoulders not only of the giants in this room, but also countless, nameless heroes who marched for equality and justice for all of us" (The White House).
Every year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History issues a theme for Black History Month. The theme for 2023 is Black Resistance.
Metro Campus Library: 918.595.7172 | Northeast Campus Library: 918.595.7501 | Southeast Campus Library: 918.595.7701 | West Campus Library: 918.595.8010
email: Library Website Technical Help | MyTCC | © 2024 Tulsa Community College