Black History Month started as a week, not a month. Back in 1926, a historian named Carter G. Woodson—often called the “Father of Black History”—created something called Negro History Week. He believed Black Americans were being left out of history books and wanted to make sure their contributions were recognized and studied seriously. He chose the second week of February because it included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14), two figures already widely celebrated in Black communities.
Over time, schools and communities began expanding the celebration. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, there was a stronger push to recognize Black history more broadly. In 1976, during the U.S. Bicentennial, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, encouraging Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans.” From that point on, February became nationally recognized as Black History Month in the United States.
Today, Black History Month is celebrated every February in the U.S. (October in the UK). Each year has a theme, often set by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (the organization Woodson founded), highlighting different aspects of Black achievement—arts, education, civil rights, science, politics, and more.
At its core, the month isn’t just about the past—it’s about understanding how Black history is American history and recognizing the ongoing impact of Black leaders, innovators, artists, educators, and activists.