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.
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How was Black History Month decided?

Woodson chose February for reasons of tradition and reform. It is commonly said that Woodson selected February to encompass the birthdays of two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping black history, namely Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays are the 12th and the 14th, respectively.
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Does Black History Month have a theme?

2020 Theme: African Americans and the Vote

The year 2020 marks the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment and the culmination of the women's suffrage movement. The year 2020 also marks the sesquicentennial of the Fifteenth Amendment (1870) and the right of Black men to the ballot after the Civil War.
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Who was the creator 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.
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Why was February chosen for Black history?

The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln, the US president who issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and Frederick Douglas, an African American orator, social reformer, writer and abolitionist.
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15 Untold Black History Inventors Wasn't Taught At School



Who is Father of Black history?

Known as the “Father of Black History,” Woodson (1875-1950) was the son of former slaves, and understood how important gaining a proper education is when striving to secure and make the most out of one's divine right of freedom.
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What is the theme for Black History Month 2021?

Dear ASALH Members and Friends, At the opening of Black History Month, ASALH announces the Black History theme for 2021—The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.
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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.).
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WHO declared February Black History Month?

Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
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What are 5 facts about Black History Month?

Five Fascinating Facts About Black History Month
  • It Started as a Week. In 1915, Harvard-educated historian Carter G. ...
  • Carter Woodson: The Father of Black History. ...
  • February Was Chosen for a Reason. ...
  • A Week Becomes a Month. ...
  • Honoring African-American Men and Women.
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What happened on February 2nd in Black history?

It became a month long celebration in 1976. On February 2: Feb. 2, 1862 - District of Columbia abolishes slavery.
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What is the theme for Black History Month 2020?

The theme for 2020 is: “Black Vote/Black Liberation.” The intersectional themes of black voting and liberation are complex and global for people of African descent.
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Who signed Black History Month?

In January 1996, President Clinton issued Presidential Proclamation 6863 for “National African American History Month." The proclamation emphasized the theme for that year, the achievements of Black women from Sojourner Truth to Mary McLeod Bethune and Toni Morrison.
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Why was Black History Month invented?

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.
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What is the theme for Black History Month 2023?

2023 THEME. African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms, and police killings since our arrival upon these shores.
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Who is the most important Black person in history?

Martin Luther King, Jr. No single African American in history is perhaps as famous as Martin Luther King, Jr. A federal holiday on the third Monday each January celebrates his legacy.
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What is Black History Month colors?

What are the colours for Black History Month? The official colours of BHM are black, red, yellow, and green. These are also known as the Pan African colours.
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Why was 2013 such a significant year in the history of Black History Month?

THE PROCLAMATION PAVED THE WAY FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT, WHICH MADE SLAVERY ILLEGAL EVERYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES. 2013 IS ALSO THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
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How is Black History Month celebrated in 2022?

9 ways to celebrate Black History Month in 2022
  1. The story of Black History Month. ...
  2. Visit a Black or African American history museum. ...
  3. Learn about Black music history by listening online. ...
  4. Support Black-owned businesses and restaurants. ...
  5. Donate to Black organizations and charities. ...
  6. Attend local Black History Month events.
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What is the Black history theme this year?

In observance of this year's African American History month theme, Black Health and Wellness, the National Museum of African American History & Culture is spotlighting timeless professions of Midwives and Doulas.
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How long was Black History Month originally celebrated?

It was first celebrated during the second week of February in 1926. The group selected the month of February to coincide with the birthdays of both President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (February 14). During the next 50 years, Black History Week grew in popularity.
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Why do you think it is important to still celebrate Black History Month explain?

A continued engagement with history is vital as it helps give context for the present. Black History Month is an opportunity to understand Black histories, going beyond stories of racism and slavery to spotlight Black achievement. This year's theme is Black Health and Wellness.
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Why is Black History Month in the shortest 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.
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