Each February, the United States celebrates Black History Month, honoring the contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout the history of our country.
The origins of Black History Month date back as far as 1926, a time when few people were studying Black history, and it was largely absent from textbooks and the classroom. That year, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a professor who had founded an organization then called the Association for Negro Life and History, first launched Negro History Week to bring awareness to often overlooked historical events and important figures from the Black community.
His organization planned the event for the second week of February to build upon existing traditions within the Black community of celebrating the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. They were also aiming to reform and expand the focus of these celebrations from beyond these two men towards a broader recognition of the entire Black community.
Expanded to a month-long celebration for the first time by President Gerald Ford in 1976, Black History Month is now recognized not just in the United States but also in places like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, among others. Today, it serves as a reminder of both how much has been accomplished since Dr. Woodson first began his advocacy work, and also of the progress yet to be made.
In 2026, Dr. Woodson’s organization, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), is marking A Century of Black History Commemorations, looking back on the 100th anniversary of that very first celebration in 1926. This theme explores “the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world.”
Throughout February, and all year long, we encourage our students, families, and teachers to explore the resources below to learn more about this important part of our nation’s history and the Black Americans that helped shape the world we all live in today.
