Every February, all across the world, people celebrate Black History Month which was created to honor past, present, and future struggles of African Americans.
Black History Month is a time to celebrate what African Americans have created and the importance of their presence in society (npr.org). Senior Malaysia Jordan, a member of Black Student Union said, “It is a representation of the past and where you came from.”
On September 9, 1915 the Association for the Study of African American Life and History [ASALH] was founded by Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, although at the time the name included a word no longer in use. He wanted to promote and make Black culture a serious area of study. His original vision was a celebration that would last a week; historians say that February was chosen because Fredrick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, two important figures from the abolitionist movement, were born in February (asnlh.org).
Woodson really wanted to give honor to African Americans especially after the Emancipation Proclamation. According to the ASALH website, “As founder of the ASALH, Woodson was intent on changing that perception and altering the trajectory of Black Americans.” While the original holiday was supposed to last only a week there was enthusiasm for a larger celebration (asalh.org).
In 1969, the first ever Black History Month was proposed by Kent State University in Portage County, Ohio. Then in 1976, it was proclaimed an official national holiday by President Gerald Ford. Since then, Canada and the United Kingdom have adopted the holiday. ASALH stated, “Canada celebrates in February as well, while the U.K. observes it in October.” Ireland also celebrates in October instead of February (asalh.org).
In 1986, a Public Law was passed by Congress making February Black History Month, setting in stone that February would forever be a month to learn and get a better understanding of Black history (asalh.org).
Years after the holiday was officially declared, President Barack Obama gave a speech from the White House during the annual reception for Black History Month. Obama said, “…Black History Month shouldn’t be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history.” Obama stressed that African Americans are a huge part of American history and the main vision Woodson saw for Black History Month was to be a reminder of that (npr.org).
Every year there is a theme for Black History Month and for 2026, the theme ASALH has picked is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” This year marks the one hundredth Black History Month in American history. Master Sergeant Eric Cole said, “Black History Month is an opportunity for us to celebrate. It’s an opportunity for everyone to learn about Black history and the people who made a huge impact.” The ASALH stressed that this month is a reminder of all the African Americans through history who have created a lasting impact on American society (asalh.org).
The ASALH website states, “In 1925, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson planned the inaugural week-long observance of Black history, he could hardly have anticipated the imprint he would leave on the world” (asalh.org). Woodson’s creation helped Americans across the globe to have a better understanding of what a more complete look at history is like.