The Origins of, Black History Month
in the US.
In 1915, Harvard-trained
historian Carter G. Woodson
co-founded the Association for the
Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).
ASHNLH committed itself
to the research and promotion
of Black American achievement.
If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition ... and it stands in danger of being exterminated, Carter G. Woodson.
In 1926, Woodson declared
the second week of February,
"Negro History Week.".
The idea was a hit among teachers
and its popularity grew.
In 1969, Black educators and students
at Kent State University were the first
to propose a "Black History Month.".
The following year, the university became the first to celebrate February as Black History Month.
The annual celebration
was first recognized by
a U.S. President in 1976.
President Gerald Ford called upon citizens to
“seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans ...".
Since then, February has been
has been designated by every
president as Black History Month