As the month of February begins people across the nation are celebrating the achievements of memorable African Americans. Throughout Black History Month schools, businesses, and communities nationwide spread and acknowledge significant African Americans for contributing to the development of U.S history.

Origin Of Black History Month

Dr. Carter Goodwin Woodson, also known as the “Father of Black History,” advocated for Black Americans understanding their ancestors’ contribution to building America. Dr. Woodson yearned to offer young Black Americans a firm foundation of history for inspiration to become contributing citizens in society. Also contributing to the recognition of black history Dr. Woodson produced various amounts of scholarly books and magazine articles glamorizing contributions from blacks to the development of America. 

In 1915, Dr. Woodson and several other of his associates in Chicago established the association for the study of Negro Life and History. Dr. Woodson and other contributing organizations had been successful in dedicating a week known as Negro History Week. Even though some may consider this a major accomplishment, Dr. Woodson had still hoped that all Americans would eventually willingly recognize the contributions of Black Americans as a legitimate and integral part of American history. 

Celebrating Black History Today

Today Black American History is celebrated in numerous amount of ways. Beginning in 1926, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The theme of “African Americans and the Vote” has been chosen for the 2020 Black History Month theme. This is the selected theme for this year due to the centennial anniversary of the nineteenth amendment and fifteenth amendment.