Although February is largely remembered for being the month of love, due to Valentine’s Day being celebrated on the 14th, this month also has another holiday that is recognized through the entirety of the month. Black History Month is celebrated during the entire month of February.  

This post is not to berate, but rather to educate on the meaning of the month for those who may not know about it, and to shed a light on some highly accomplished individuals that have largely contributed to American History.  

Carter G. Woodson was the individual responsible for establishing Black History Month in 1916. He, as well as thousands of other African Americans, traveled to Chicago to celebrate the 50th emancipation anniversary held by the State of Illinois in 1915. The celebration was held at the coliseum, the same place where the 1912 Republican Convention was held, yet there was still an overwhelming congregation of 6,000-12,000 people waiting to see the exhibits. Carter G. Woodson wanted to educate people on the history and accomplishments of African Americans. He is known as the father of Black History.  

Carter G. Woodson, chose the month of February because it encompassed the birthdays of both President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The African American community as well as other Republicans had celebrated President Lincoln’s Birthday annually since his assignation in 1865. The African American community had also been celebrating Frederick Douglass'( who had been a slave that rose through the ranks to advise multiple presidents and lectured thousands) birthday to commemorate African history. The goal of Black History Month was to educate and highlight the history of people of color in America as well as those who positively contributed to African American history.  

Black History Month is still largely celebrated today, recognizing all of those who have impacted the world we know in more ways than one. Below is a link to an article that provides a further explanation of the origin of Black History Month as well as the accomplishments of the figures mentioned earlier in this post. Black history month is not meant to exclude anyone, but rather shine a light on those who are of African descent that have earned their place in American History. 

“The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” -Frederick Douglass 

Sources: 

Scott, Daryl Michael. “Origins of Black History Month.” ASALH, Howard University, https://asalh.org/about-us/origins-of-black-history-month/.