When did Black History Month became official?

Fifty years after the first celebrations, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month during the country's 1976 bicentennial.

When was Black History Month officially recognized?

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Who started Black History Month in 1926?

On Feb. 7, 1926, Carter G. Woodson, initiated the first celebration of Negro History Week which led to Black History Month, to extend and deepen the study and scholarship on African American history, all year long.

How long has Black History Month been celebrated in the US?

The week-long event officially became Black History Month in 1976 when U.S. president Gerald Ford extended the recognition to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States every February ...

When did February officially become Black History Month?

United States: Black History Month (1970)

Black History Month was first proposed by Black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later, from January 2 to February 28, 1970.

Why did they chose February for Black History Month?

February was chosen primarily because the second week of the month coincides with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln was influential in the emancipation of slaves, and Douglass, a former slave, was a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement, which fought to end slavery.

Who decides Black History Month theme?

But did you know that the annual celebration of Black American's achievements comes along with a theme? It does, and it's chosen annually by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The ASALH was established in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson, who founded Black History Month.

Who were the founders of Black History Month?

Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) dedicated his life to educating African Americans about the achievements and contributions of their ancestors.

What happened on February 1st in Black history?

Feb. 1, 1865 - The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery, was adopted by the 38th Congress..

How did Black History Month originate?

In 1926, Woodson initiated the first “Negro History Week” on Feb. 7 to celebrate and raise awareness of Black history. And in 1976, said Texas A&M University Afro-American history professor Albert Broussard, this turned into a month-long celebration and was renamed Black History Month.

Who started Black History Month in 1976?

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Today, Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of ...

What happened on February 22nd in Black history?

Feb. 22, 1989: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince Win First Best Rap Performance Grammy. The hip-hop duo's "Parents Just Don't Understand" was the first hip-hop song to ever get nominated for a Grammy.

What happened on February 24th in Black history?

24, 1864: Rebecca Lee Crumpler Becomes First Black Woman to Receive M.D.

Is Black History Month a law?

In 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244, which designated February 1986 as "National Black (Afro-American) History Month.” This law noted that February 1, 1986 would “mark the beginning of the sixtieth annual public and private salute to Black History.” The law further directed the president to issue a proclamation ...

What are 5 facts about Black History Month?

Who is known as the Father of Black History Month?

Carter G. Woodson was a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people led to the establishment of Black History Month, marked every February since 1976.

What is 2022 Black History Month theme?

The 2022 Black History Month's theme is Black Health and Wellness. This focus will celebrate the contributions and breakthroughs of Black professionals as well as speaking to the cultural richness of those “non-traditional” health and wellness practitioners (e.g., doulas, midwives, etc.).

Why is the shortest month Black History Month?

Why the shortest month of the year? In 1926, the ASALH chose the second week in February as a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans. The week was picked to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two men who played a prominent role in eliminating slavery.

What happened on February 28th in Black history?

Richard Spikes invented/patented automatic gear shift. Race riot, Sojourner Truth Homes, Detroit. Philip Emeagwali awarded the Gordon Bell Prize (computings Nobel Prize) for solving one of the twenty most difficult problems in the computing field.

What happened on February 20th in Black history?

Tennessee Governor W.C. Brownlow declared martial law in nine countries in Ku Klux Klan crisis. Writer Wallace Thurman's play Harlem opens in NYC.

What happened on the 24th February 2022?

Putin announces launch of military assault on Ukraine, the U.S. and its allies vow to hit Russia with unprecedented sanctions, and more.

What happened on February 21st in black history?

This Day in History: February 21

Malcolm X, who articulated concepts of racial pride and black nationalism in the United States, was assassinated this day in 1965 and became an ideological hero after the posthumous release of The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

What happened on February 19th in black history?

The Tuskegee Airmen were initiated into the armed forces on Feb. 19, 1942. The Tuskegee Airmen blazed their way into history as the first African-American pilots who fought in World War II in the 1940s and maintaining the aircrafts.

What happened on February 11th in black history?

February 11, Robert Weaver sworn in as administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, highest federal post to date by a Black American.

Which president of the United States made Black History Month official?

During the 1960s, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month, and in 1976, then-President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month during the country's bicentennial, NPR reported.