Nu Vibez and Roleplay Guide Magazine - February 2014 | Page 52

Black History Month Li le Known but Amazing Facts Compiled By Cobra Momiji By now most people are aware that February is Black History Month and why it is but just in case these facts slipped through the cracks for any of our readers, this is a good place to revisit them. Yahoo answers provides with the following brief synopsis of Black History 101: Black History Month" was originated in 1926 by Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson. In 1926, it was called "Negro History Week." Carter Woodson a ended college where he earned a B.A. degree in European history and a Ph.D. in history. As a new graduate, he managed to earn a living as a high school teacher; and later as a professor of history at Howard University. He had a strong desire to document Negro history. He co-founded and financed the "Associa on for the Study of Negro Life and History" in 1915. In 1926, Dr. Woodson was able to offer the Associa on's name to sponsor the week. He chose the second week in Februar y because it marked the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Through Woodson's promo on of the celebra on in the "Journal of Negro History" and the crea on and distribu on of kits for 52 - Nu Vibez Magazine - February 2014 children, "Negro History Week" gained in popularity. In 1976, "Negro History Week" expanded into "B lack History Month." The month is also some mes referred to as AfricanAmerican Heritage Month. It is recognized officially in several na ons including Canada and the UK, and unofficially in others. In the U.S., it is recognized officially. In 1975, President Ford issued a Message on the Observance of "B lack History Week" urging all Americans to "recognize the important contribu on made to our na on's life and culture by B lack ci zens." In 1976, President Ford issued the first Message on the "Observance of B lack History Month." In subsequent years, Presidents Ford, Carter and Reagan con nued to issue Messages honoring "African-American History Month.” In 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99244 which designated February 1986 as "Na onal Black (Afro-American) History Month.” This law noted that February 1, 1986 would “mark the beginning of the six eth annual public and private salute to Black History.” The law further called upon to President to issue a proclama on calling on the people of the United States to observe February 1986 as "B lack History Month" with the appropriate ceremonies and ac vi es. President Reagan issued Presiden al Proclama on 5443 which proclaimed that “the