Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as “Negro History Week” and later as “Black History Month.” Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of black history is greatly owed to Dr. Carter D.
Woodson. Woodson chose February because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly impacted the African American population: Abraham Lincoln (President of the United States who freed slaves during the Civil War), and Frederick Douglass (an African American who worked to end slavery.) However, February has much more than Douglass and Lincoln to show for its significance in black American history.
For example:
February 23, 1868
W. E. B. DuBois, important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born. February 3, 1870: The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote.
February 25, 1870
The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels (1822-1901), took his oath of office.
February 12, 1909
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by a group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City.
February 1, 1960
In what would become a civil-rights movement milestone, a group of black Greensboro, N.C., college students began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter.
February 21, 1965
Malcolm X, the militant leader who promoted Black Nationalism, was shot to death by three Black Muslims.
The purpose of this month is to recognize the contributions of African Americans and develop a better understanding of the Black experience.
