The History
In September 1915, Carter G. Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, or ASNLH. Its purpose was to sponsor and celebrate the achievements of African Americans. The organization still exists today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, or ASALH. In 1926, the group arranged a Negro History week, choosing the second week of February because it encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two historically important figures in the fight for black rights. The week became semi-official in the following years, when mayors began announcing the second week of February as Black History Month across the country. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 50s and 60s, the week turned into a month, celebrated at colleges and universities. It was finally officially recognized and endorsed as a national month in 1976 by President Ford.
Why Is It Celebrated?
When officiating Black History Month in 1976, President Ford said, “[we must] seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” African Americans were first considered literal property, and then second-class citizens. Their achievements were undervalued, overlooked, or outright sabotaged for most of history. While there are no directly oppressive laws in place today, the problem is far from over. Society still finds surreptitious ways to undermine the black community without direct legislation. In particular, police brutality is a problem of increasing severity. The Black Lives Matter Movement uses Black History Month to spread additional awareness of the horrors perpetuated by police brutality.
How is it Celebrated Today
The National Museum of African American History and Culture hosts multiple events and book talks throughout February. Scholastic also has a list of suggestions on their website for celebrating the month and teaching about civil rights in classrooms. One suggestion involves reading poetry that reflects the struggle of black people to no longer be treated as second-class citizens, like “I Too, Sing America” by Langston Hughes. Schools dedicate the month to learning about prominent black figures in history and literature like Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s also celebrated on social media through hashtags like #Blackout, a hashtag dedicated posting selfies to celebrate black beauty in defiance of Anglo Centric beauty standards, and #BlackExcellence, a hashtag celebrating the achievements of modern black people making great strides in law, medicine, business, and other prestigious professions.
Kavya Seth
February is the United States’ Black History Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the history and achievements of African Americans.