Every February, Black History Month is celebrated to represent, appreciate, and commemorate the people of the African diaspora and all their achievements. A month-long observance in the US, UK, and Canada allows the collective to be reminded of the systemic injustices that the diaspora has faced throughout the last 400 years.
Black History month first began as Negro History Week in February of 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a historian commonly known as the father of Black History Month. He was crucial in establishing the field of African American studies, and the organization he founded aimed to encourage “people of all ethnic and social backgrounds to discuss the Black experience.”
Woodson chose the month of February because of the significance; one is the birth month of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass, who were both important figures in ending slavery. Woodson understood that black people thought of these two historical figures very highly and felt February was the suitable month to commemorate them while celebrating black achievements.
During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the growing awareness of black identity led to Negro History Week being recognized by various cities across the country. This event evolved into Black History Month across many college campuses, and by 1976 President Gerald Ford had formally recognized Black History Month. He was signed into law by Congress to be recognized every 1986.
Black History Month is important because it gives black people who have been given so little time to reflect on those who moved gracefully through adversity and think of a future of possibilities. It also gives people of the diaspora something collective. The diaspora people have been scattered far, comprehensive, and in-between. This month gives them a chance to connect to their heritage.