This Year Is The 100th Anniversary Of Black History Month, So Let’s Talk About It

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.

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.

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

One Night in Miami… (2020)

It’s the 100th anniversary of Black History Month this year! Follow all of our coverage here. Of course, the content doesn’t end after February. Follow BuzzFeed’s Cocoa Butter on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest Black culture content year-round.