The Story of Black History Month

In the early 1900s, history books in the United States told an incomplete story. The contributions, struggles, and achievements of Black Americans were largely ignored or erased. One man recognized that this absence was not accidental—and that correcting it was essential for the future of the nation.

His name was Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard‑trained historian who would later be known as the Father of Black History. In 1915, Woodson co‑founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) with a clear mission: to promote the serious study of Black life, culture, and history. He believed that a people who did not know their past would struggle to shape their future.

In 1926, Woodson took a bold step. He launched Negro History Week, choosing the second week of February to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two figures deeply connected to the fight against slavery and injustice. That week became a time for schools, churches, and communities to highlight Black achievements that had long been excluded from the national narrative.

What began as one week slowly grew stronger. During the late 1960s and early 1970s—an era defined by civil rights activism and cultural pride—college students and educators began expanding the observance into a month‑long celebration. In 1976, during the United States Bicentennial, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, urging Americans to honor the contributions of Black citizens “too often overlooked.” Since then, every U.S. president has issued a proclamation recognizing Black History Month, and in 1986, it was formally passed into law by Congress.

Over time, Black History Month became filled with powerful symbols and figures. The Pan‑African flag, with its red, black, and green colors designed by Marcus Garvey in 1920, came to represent unity, sacrifice, and hope. The month highlights pioneers whose courage reshaped the nation—Harriet Tubman, whose bravery on the Underground Railroad saved countless lives; Martin Luther King Jr., whose commitment to nonviolent resistance inspired the world; Thurgood Marshall, who broke barriers as the first Black Supreme Court Justice; and Shirley Chisholm, who became the first Black woman elected to Congress and later ran for president.

Today, Black History Month is not only a time of remembrance but also of education and participation. Major institutions support this learning. The National Museum of African American History and Culture shares digital exhibits and stories that bring history to life. The National Park Service preserves sites that reflect over 400 years of Black heritage. The Library of Congress provides original documents, lesson plans, and research tools that allow people to study history through authentic voices.

In 2026, Black History Month carries special meaning. The ASALH designated the theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” marking 100 years since the first national observance in 1926. This milestone reminds us that Black History Month is not just about the past—it is about honoring persistence, recognizing progress, and understanding that history is still being written.

Black History Month exists because someone refused to allow important stories to be forgotten. A century later, those stories continue to educate, inspire, and challenge society to strive for truth, equality, and justice—for everyone.