In the USA, the month of February is officially designated as Black History Month, the observance of which began in 1926.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American author and scholar, began what was then Negro History Week for two purposes -- to educate non-black Americans about black American culture and history, and to engender pride among African Americans.
Why February? Woodson chose February because the month marks an exceptional number of events of importance to the African American community. For example, February marks the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery, and Frederick Douglass, the noted African American abolitionist. Douglass, a former slave himself, met with Lincoln on numerous occasions to urge action on behalf of his people.
An additional reason why Woodson chose February for Negro History Week was that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation's oldest civil rights organization, was founded in February 1909. Also, Hiram Revels, the first black American U.S. senator, was born in February. He was elected in 1870, five years after the civil war ended.
In 1972, Negro History Week became Black History Week and in 1976, the nation's bicentennial, Black History Week became Black History Month. In some cities, Black History Month is now known as African American History Month.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mark Greiner
Takoma Park Presbyterian Church
Webmaster : Brian C. Monsell