Black History Month is celebrated every February to honor the achievements, culture, and history of African Americans. It began in 1826 when Carter G. Woodson created Black History Week to ensure Black contributions were properly taught in schools. The second week of February was chosen because it included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, it officially became Black History Month nationwide.
Black History Month reminds us that Black history is American history. From civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to innovators, artists, and activists today, African Americans have shaped the country in powerful ways. While February highlights these contributions, the goal is to continue learning and recognizing the history all year long.
