Special Topics & Events: Black History Month

The History of Black History Month

(Photo of Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the study of African American life & History)

Black History Month originated from the efforts of Carter G. Woodson, a historian and scholar from the early 1900s. In 1915, Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life & History (ASNLH). This group's purpose was to study and promote the study of black history. In 1926 they succeeded in establishing Negro History week in the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Negro History week gained popularity quickly, prompting ASNLH to open branches nation wide to create promotional and educational materials on black history. In order to further promote the celebration, in 1937 ASNLH started creating themes for Negro History week. This was done also to emphasize how expansive black history really is, and promote the teaching of black history beyond one week a year. 

In 1976, the ASNLH began officially celebrating Black History Month, and it was first declared as a national celebration in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. In1986, Congress passed a Public Law officially designating February as National Black History Month. The ASNLH, now called the Association for the study of African American Life and History (ASALH), continues to set an annual theme for Black History Month celebrations and create educational materials. To learn more about the ASALH and the History of Black History Month, please look at the resources below. 

Resources