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Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month by learning about the incredible contributions of African Americans to our culture, history and society!
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Cultural
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When it is?
February 1
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Country
United States
Introduction

February 1 marks the start of Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, culture and history of African Americans. This month-long observance was first celebrated in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson and is now recognized around the world. During this time, we honor those who have made significant contributions to our society and recognize their struggles for equality. From inventors and civil rights leaders to musicians and artists, there are so many inspiring stories of resilience, courage and progress that are worth learning about and celebrating. So let's come together to commemorate Black History Month with enthusiasm!

History of Black History Month

Black History Month Dates

Black History Month Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1926</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Negro History Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>Historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week."</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Civil Rights Movement</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the Civil Rights Movement, the demand increased to expand the week into a month-long celebration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official Month-long Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Educators and students at Kent State University proposed and celebrated the first full month of Black History in February 1970.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Black History Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month, and each American president since has endorsed a specific theme for the month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Black History Month in the UK</div><div class='timeline-text'>Black History Month is officially recognized and celebrated in the United Kingdom in October, following its introduction in 1987.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Canada Gets on Board</div><div class='timeline-text'>Canada offically recognizes Black History Month, following a motion introduced by Senator Donald Oliver in 1995.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Black History Month

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Black History</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to research and learn about the history of African Americans. Read books, watch documentaries, and explore the stories of people who have shaped our world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Black History event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities host special events to celebrate Black History Month. Look for lectures, performances, and other educational programs in your area.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a museum dedicated to Black History</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit a museum dedicated to African American culture and history. Learn about the powerful contributions African Americans have made to our society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support a Black business</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Support a local business owned by an African American entrepreneur. Buy products or services from the business, or donate to their cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer for a cause related to Black History</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a cause related to African American culture and history, and volunteer your time and energy to helping them achieve their goals. Whether it is tutoring children or helping to preserve historical sites, there are plenty of ways you can get involved.</p></div></div>

Why Black History Month is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates black achievement</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Black History Month is an important time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of black people throughout history. From music and art to politics and science, it's easy to see how much impact African Americans have had on our culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It reminds us of our history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Black History Month provides an annual opportunity to reflect on our past, both good and bad. It reminds us of the contributions African Americans have made to our society as well as the struggles they continue to face even today.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes a spirit of unity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of individuals from different races and backgrounds, we can foster a sense of understanding and appreciation for diversity in our communities. This can help create stronger bonds between people all across the nation, leading to greater harmony and cooperation amongst us all.</p></div></div>

5 Black History Facts You Should Know

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Black History Month originally began as a week-long celebration</h3><p class='facts-content'>Declared by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1926, it was originally known as "Negro History Week". The month-long observance did not begin until 1976.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Canada and UK also celebrate Black History Month, but in different months</h3><p class='facts-content'>Canada observes Black History Month in February, like the U.S., whereas in the UK it takes place in October.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The reason why February was chosen for Black History Month</h3><p class='facts-content'>Woodson chose February for the observance because Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two people he believed had dramatically impacted Black American lives, had their birthdays in this month.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Black History Month includes a celebration of African history and culture</h3><p class='facts-content'>Black History Month isn't solely an observance of Black American history – it's a celebration of African history and the contributions of people of African lineage around the globe.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Each year of Black History Month has a specific theme</h3><p class='facts-content'>Since 1976, every Black History Month has had a specific theme. Examples include "Black Women in American History and Culture" (1987), "The Decade of the African Diaspora" (1994), and "African Americans and the Vote" (2020).</p></div></div>

Black History Month FAQs

When is Black History Month?

Black History Month is celebrated on February 1 every year. In 2024 Black History Month will occur on a Thursday.

Black History Month Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Feb 1

Wednesday

2024

Feb 1

Thursday

2025

Feb 1

Saturday

2026

Feb 1

Sunday

2027

Feb 1

Monday

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