As February 2023 comes around, it marks the start of Black History Month in America. Though it should be recognized all year round, this month, in particular, is a time for Black history to be acknowledged, celebrated, and reflected upon. To begin the month, we look at who created Black History Month and when BHM began.
Black History Month has begun in America which means that events will be taking place across the country as well as posts about it on social media. Unlike white history, the past lives of Black people have often been diminished, forgotten, or neglected; that is why it is recognized every February. And whilst it’s important to move forward with it each year, how it all started can slip people’s minds.
When Did BHM Begin?
When Black History Month first began, it was actually just a week, first celebrated in February of 1925. Negro History Week, as it was first called, was first celebrated in 1926. The week contained both Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays. Frederick Douglass was a black reformer and abolitionist in the 19th century. After escaping life as a slave, he became the leader of the abolitionist movement.
The event received an overwhelming response. Black history clubs jumpstarted from the week, with calls for more to be done in schools.
By 1950, the week has become an integral part of Black life and had brought in more and more Americans to appreciate and recognize the celebration. After the Civil Rights Movement and The Black Awakening of the 1960s, the importance of black history became more prevalent than ever.
The week became a month on the US’ bicentennial in 1976. Now, it is forever known as Black History Month. President Ford urged all Americans “to seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since his words, each American President has issued a proclamation at the start of each BHM. The nation as a whole has come to recognize the importance of the event.
Black History Month 2023 marks the 98th year of celebrations.
Who Created Black History Month?
Carter G. Woodson created Black History Month. The Harvard historian believed that truth and justice would prevail over prejudice. Therefore founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. It was Woodson along with this group that established Negro History Week in 1925.
Unfortunately, Woodson died in 1950, but the week was well underway by that point. More people than ever came to appreciate the event, proving the substantial progress that had been made.
Because of Woodson’s work, establishments such as the Smithsonian, the Holocaust Museum, and the National Park Service now hold events for Black History Month 2023.
The month is now not only observed in America but has the event has spread to the UK and Ireland, which acknowledge Black history in October.