Black History Month Reminder

As we prepare to celebrate Black History Month during the month of February, what are we going to do to recognize influential African Americans in our schools and classrooms?  What activities do we have planned for students and parents?  What research can students conduct together to learn more about the contributions of African Americans to the United States?  What information will students be able to share that already come with background knowledge about Black culture? This is a great time of the year to bring students together to learn from one another and really celebrate and embrace diversity.  (This should be happening every day, not just during Black History Month or Hispanic Heritage Month) 

How Black History Month Was Created

In 1926, Historian Carter G. Woodson, created “Negro History Week,” which has now evolved into Black History Month.  Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history.  Initially, the second week of February was chosen because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and Frederick Douglass on February 14, which have been celebrated together since the late 19^th century.  This debunks the misconceptions made by many who believe that Black History Month was selected for blacks because it was the shortest month of the year.  Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.  Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.

“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”

-       Carter G. Woodson