2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. The national celebration of Black excellence, struggle, triumph, and resolve creates an intentional moment of reflection and appreciation for Black History. But what is the history of the celebration itself?
The roots of Black History Month can be traced all the way back to 1897. Mary Church Terrell, who was an activist and educator, helped create and organize Frederick Douglass Day. The celebration’s goal was to spread awareness and study the life of the legendary abolitionist and orator. Douglass’s chosen birthday is Feb. 14, and so Terrell centered the holiday on that day.
Nearly 20 years later, in 1915, Historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson helped create the then-titled Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History or ASALH). The organization’s goal was to teach and preserve Black History.
In 1926, Dr. Woodson and ASALH created Negro History Week, the precursor to Black History Month. The weeklong celebration and education event took place from Feb. 9 to 16, coinciding with Frederick Douglass Day.
Fifty years later, in 1976, President Ford published a presidential message recognizing Black History Month after a push by Black educators, activists, and grassroots movements. The expansion from one week to one month occurred at a time when the Civil Rights Movement was pushing for greater formal education about Black history.
Most historians acknowledge Negro History Week as the true birth of Black History Month, so the 100-year milestone is based on Dr. Woodson’s original creation.
So what can YOU do for Black History Month? My suggestion is to read. Pick a book that will illuminate a piece of Black History that you are interested in. Here are three of my favorite books centered on Black history or the Black experience in America:
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X
We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Not a reader? That’s okay. Here are three movies you can watch during Black History Month:
One Night in Miami… (2020)
Happy Black History Month!
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