This February marks America’s 48th official Black History Month. Though many of us may feel like it’s a tradition that’s been around our entire lives, in reality, Black History Month is younger than nearly 40% of Americans. This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone well-versed in black history and the many years it took to gain recognition of black Americans’ basic human rights, let alone the lengthy struggle it took to gain them. In recognition of this struggle, let’s take a walk through the history of Black History Month.
What Is Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration in February that recognizes and honors the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. It sheds light on accomplishments and struggles that have traditionally been overlooked and marginalized. Black History Month is officially recognized in two countries, including the United States, with observances occurring worldwide; however, despite its widespread recognition today, it wasn’t always so popular, or so well known.
1915: Laying The Foundations
In 1915, the foundation for Black History Month was laid with the establishment of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASALH). This organization, established in Chicago by historian Carter G. Woodson, aimed to promote the study of black history and provide a platform for exploring Black American experiences. The social climate of the time could not have been less receptive. America was in the throes of The Great Migration and racial tensions were high. This was a time of widespread, normalized racism and violence. The same year that ASALH was established, the infamously hateful film The Birth of A Nation was released, becoming the first film shown in the White House and prompting outbreaks of anti-black violence across the country. It was the same year the Klu Klux Klan was officially recognized as a fraternal organization. It was during this sensitive and dangerous time that ASALH began releasing research and publications on black history, steadily gaining public recognition and paving the way for future achievements.
1926: A Major Milestone
In 1926, at the height of the Segregation Era, ASALH established “Negro History Week,” a dedicated time to promote the study of black history. This came on the tail end of a years-long struggle by Woodson to gain recognition of black history from the public. Woodson, along with his colleagues, faced mixed reactions from contemporaries. Some applauded the initiative and recognized the importance of documenting and preserving black history. However, others viewed it as unnecessary or even threatening to the prevailing narrative of white supremacy. Despite these challenges, Woodson persevered, laying the foundation for future generations to study and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans.
1976: Official Recognition
Despite his efforts, Woodson did not live long enough to see black history achieve widespread interest and acceptance. It wasn’t until 1969, 19 years after Woodson’s death, that Kent State University (KSU) students proposed the idea of designating February ‘Black History Month’. The first observance occurred at KSU the following year, and over the following years, the idea gained popularity, spreading to educational institutions and community centers across the country.
Official recognition came in the late 1970s. The president at the time was Gerald Ford, a former congressman who had voted in favor of numerous Civil Rights bills, the 24th Amendment, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which helped make fair voting conditions more accessible to Black Americans across the country. Finally, in 1976, during the United States Bicentennial, President Ford declared Black History Month an official annual observance, urging Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” By then, America was a (mostly) changed country, and the announcement was met with enthusiasm from many whose families might have sneered just 20 years earlier.
2024: Looking Back & Moving Forward
Since then, Black History Month has served as a platform to educate, inspire, and empower individuals of all backgrounds, fostering a deeper understanding of the contributions of Black Americans to American history and culture. Today, Black History Month continues to evolve, with increased awareness and recognition of the accomplishments and struggles of black people. As we reflect on the journey of Black History Month since its inception, we can appreciate the progress made, while also recognizing the ongoing work needed to achieve true equality and justice for all.
