Black History Month was first initiated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who received a Ph.D. from Harvard University and is considered a pioneer in the study of African American History. He believed that truth could not be denied and reason would prevail over prejudice. Thus, he founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) and conceived Negro History Week in 1925. Negro History Week was first celebrated in 1926 during the second week of February to celebrate the birthdates of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas and received an overwhelming response from teachers and students, Black and white alike. By the time of his death in 1950, Negro History Week had evolved into a prominent part of African American’s lives and substantial efforts where brought forward to increase the appreciation among more Americans.

The rise of African American consciousness in the 1960s and Civil Rights Movement led to the expansion of Black History Month, also known as African American Heritage Month, in 1976. Black History Month is preferred to most as this celebration is annually observed in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States in remembrance of important people and events across of the African Diaspora.

For more information about Black History Month, visit the Library of Congress.

Visit Georgia State University’s African American Studies for more information about the department.