Black History Month
In February, we honor the achievements of Black Americans and recognize their impact on U.S. history. Black History Month originally began in September 1915 when Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). The group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures. Every U.S. president since 1976 has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
Learn more about the origins of Black History month at history.com and find resources through our complimentary subscription, BrainPOP.