National Black History Month has received official recognition in Canada and the United States, however, it is now spreading across the world, with the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands getting involved. With that in mind, it is now time to reveal more about observing this month and the unique history that is behind it.
History of National Black History Month
National Black History Month started as a method of remembrance with regard to the vital events and people in the history of the African diaspora. Today, it is an important month of both remembrance, recognition, and education. It is a time for people of any color to look at the incredible figures in Black History, as well as raising awareness about the issues that are still present in society in terms of racism and the rights that black people are affected by. Education is at the core of National Black History Month, and it is a great opportunity for people from all walks of life to broaden their horizons and expand their understanding.
While some people say that National Black History Month can be traced back to “Negro History Week,” which was created by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926 alongside the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, its inspiration goes back even further than that. In the summer of 1915, Woodson traveled with many friends from his hometown of Chicago to Washington D.C. for a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the emancipation of black people. They were a few of many thousands of black people who traveled across the country that summer to honor the progress that had been made since the destruction of slavery.
This event spawned a new publication, The Journal of Negro History, which Woodson began in 1916. And finally, ten years later, the predecessor to National Black History Month was created.
A week in February was chosen by Woodson because he thought it was significant that it coincided with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass (14th of Feb) and Abraham Lincoln (12th of Feb), and both dates have long been celebrated in black communities for their impact on black history.
Even though the idea was formed around 50 years earlier, it was not until 1970 that National Black History Month as it is known today was created. It was first proposed in 1969 at Kent State University in Ohio, USA by the Black United Students and black educators. The first celebration took place the following year and, in six years’ time, it was being celebrated across the entire country. This happened when Gerald Ford, who was President at the time, recognized National Black History Month during the United States Bicentennial celebration.
During his speech, he said that Americans should:
Seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history
After this, National Black History Month spread to other parts of the world, with the United Kingdom first celebrating in 1987. However, in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands, the observance is in the month of October.
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