A History of Black History Month
Photo by Cora Kuhlenbeck
Nikki Nair
The roots of Black History Month began in 1915, when historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), which was dedicated to promoting the achievements of Black Americans. In 1926, ASNLH designated the second week of February (coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass) as Negro History Week. Politicians responded to the overwhelming support of Negro History week by issuing yearly proclamations recognizing it in cities across the country. After the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s, Negro History Week became unofficially known as Black History Month on many college campuses. Finally in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and called on the nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which has been renamed to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), is still involved with Black History Month today. Every year, the ASALH picks a new theme to focus on during that year’s Black History Month, and since 1976, every American president has recognized these themes. The theme of 2021 is Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity, and it encourages the exploration of Black families and family dynamics across the United States.
These yearly themes stimulate conversation about the modern-day triumphs and struggles of being Black in America. Black identity and expression were never given voices until recently, and the purpose of Black History Month is to continue to advocate for the Black community. However; Black History Month is not just for Black Americans; as President Ford said in 1976, Black History Month is a call to action for the American public as a whole to recognize and celebrate the numerous accomplishments of Black Americans throughout American history.
Here are pictures of significant African American figures who have positively impacted our nation. Displayed in the hallway across the IMC.
