Black History Month's origin and why it's held in February in the US
Black History Month is here, and this year's theme is "African Americans and the Arts,".
This theme aims to spotlight significant moments in Black history in the U.S. by showcasing various forms of artwork, according to The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
The month-long celebration will include "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression," says ASALH. The theme, a tradition since 1976, has been endorsed by President Joe Biden.
"African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences," wrote members of the ASALH team. They added that the celebration puts the richness of the past and present into the national spotlight, looking forward to what the rest of the twenty-first century will bring.
It wasn't until 1976 that former President Gerald Ford made the entire month of February a government-approved event (Bettmann Archive)This is the 48th official government celebration of Black History Month. It is a month-long celebration dedicated to acknowledging and learning about Black history. This includes recognising the achievements of Black people, as well as reflecting on the darker aspects of American history, such as slavery.
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The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to 1915 when historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded an association dedicated to researching and promoting the accomplishments of Black Americans. The association, now known as ASALH, has been setting themes for the month-long event for nearly a century.
Black History Month wasn't always a whole month, as it actually began as "Negro History Week" back in 1926, which took place during the second week of February. This week was chosen to include the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln, who is known for ending slavery, and Frederick Douglass, a former slave and strong advocate for abolition, according to The History Channel.
The initial week was chosen because it includes the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln (pictured) (Getty Images)
It began as "Negro History Week" back in 1926 (Getty Images)This week became an event for community centres, schools, churches, and others to host lectures, performances, and history club events about Black history. Throughout the years, several mayors and politicians started officially proclaiming the week as "Negro History Week", turning it into a government-sanctioned event.
By the time of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, led by Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King, the week had evolved into a month-long celebration. As a result, many universities across the country celebrated it as such.
Back in 1976, former President Gerald Ford officially made February the Black History Month in America. He felt it was important for people to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."
Fast forward over a hundred years, this event now shines a spotlight on important figures in Black American history, serving both as a learning tool and a reminder that the fight for civil rights is still ongoing.
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