February is Black History Month. We want to celebrate the achievements of the Black community—to recognize the people who have helped make the USA what it is today, and to show the power of unity.

In honor of Black History Month, we are taking the time to appreciate the people, places, and contributions that made it possible for us to be here today.

The Story Behind the Name

Early beginnings

The history of Black History Month is a rich one. In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) announced that the second week of February to be Negro History Week, the precursor to what we know today as Black History Month. 

This early phase was essential because it promotes the teaching of Black History to ensure that the contribution of the Black community within the broader society stays relevant. 

In later years, Negro History Week has become a well-known observance in the country. 

Why the second week of February? 

The second week of February was chosen because it coincides with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two American historical figures who were instrumental in the abolitionist movement. 

Celebration of Black History Month in the United States and other countries

In 1970, the first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State thru the efforts of Black educators and Black United Students at Kent State University. Then in 1976, six years later, this celebration was officially recognized by president Gerald Ford. 

During this time, Black History Month was being observed across the country, especially within educational institutions and centers of Black culture and community. 

Then in 1987, the United Kingdom had its first celebration of Black History Month in London as part of African Jubilee Year. This event emphasized the contributions of Black people to the history of the United Kingdom. 

This celebration was also observed by other countries such as Germany (1990), Canada (1995), and the Republic of Ireland (2010). 

Prominent figures

In celebration of Black History Month, let's look at some of the leading figures of the African-American community that shaped our nation today. 

Martin Luther King, Jr

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights activist who is widely recognized for his involvement in the American civil rights movement during the 1960s. He also advocated for peaceful approaches and organized a number of marches and protests.

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was a brave and self-sacrificing woman who helped ensure the final defeat of slavery in the United States. She served as a scout and a nurse during the American Civil War. 

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks’s refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in 1955 helped to inspire the leaders of the local black community to organize a boycott of the city buses. This helped initiate the civil rights movement during the 1960s. She is known for her courage and dedication to advancing the rights of the African-American people. 

Muhammad Ali

As one of the greatest boxers in history, Muhammad Ali won the heavyweight boxing title three times on different occasions. He was also famous for standing what he believed was right, especially during his refusal to join the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. 

Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison is an American physician, engineer, and astronaut who was the first African-American woman in history to travel in space. She is a highly-accomplished person who strived to make a difference in the world. 

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul and businesswoman who is one of the most powerful and influential women in the world today. She is known for her philanthropy, leadership, and commitment to women.

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson was a baseball player who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947 when he played for the National League Brooklyn Dodgers. He was the first Black person inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist, journalist, orator, and author who pushed for equality and human rights. He is considered to be one of the most influential people of the 19th century. He was also one of the people to convince Abraham Lincoln to allow African-Americans to serve in the military during the Civil War.  

Barack Obama

Barack Obama has been widely recognized for his work in politics and for his leadership. He is the 44th president of the United States and the first African-American to hold the office. With this position, he has had a significant impact on the course of U.S. history and the world. 

Thurgood Marshall

Thurgood Marshall was a highly respected civil rights attorney who played a key role in the fight for equality. He is famous for arguing the historic 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case that paved the way for the desegregation of public schools. He became the first African-American Supreme Court Justice in 1967. 

George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver was a scientist, inventor, and agriculturist who made significant contributions to the world of science and agriculture. He is known for his work on peanut sweet potato, and soybean cultivation. He became the first African-American to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in 1894.  

Why It Matters Now

Black History Month is an opportunity for all people to reflect and recognize the contribution of African-Americans from all periods of U.S. history--from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa to African-Americans living today. 

This month, let us all be reminded of the achievements of those who have paved the way for us and the things they fought for. After all, their contributions to our nation and to the world influenced everyone in the society we are living in today.