Why We Celebrate Black History Month

As we acknowledge and celebrate Black History month this year, questions arise regarding why we celebrate and why we do so in the month of February. Many comments express concern over why Black History is recognized during the shortest month of the year.

The origin of Black History month has ties that originate in Chicago. During the summer of 1915, Carter G. Woodson traveled from Washington, D.C. to participate in a national celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of emancipation sponsored by the state of Illinois. Thousands of African Americans travelled from across the country to see exhibits highlighting the progress their people made since the destruction of slavery. The exhibits were on display and viewed by thousands of people for about three weeks. This inspired Woodson to form an organization to promote the scientific study of Black life and history.

Woodson, along with others, formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). It is understood that originally, Woodson chose the month of February to include the history and birthdays of two great Americans: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas. Both men played an important and prominent role in shaping Black History. While this was the inspiration from the beginning, it was also the lack of knowledge about both men and their contributions to history which was of interest to Woodson. He wanted to make sure the knowledge focused on history being made by people, not simply or primarily by great men. Instead of focusing only on two men, he ultimately believed the focus should be on all Black men and women who contributed to the advancement of human civilization.

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today. Here in the U.S., Black History is celebrated in the month of February. In the United Kingdom, Black History month is celebrated during the month of October. However, Black history should not be limited to these months alone. It is important every day and should be integrated into all history textbooks as a part of human history. Until then, we can continue to use these months of acknowledgement to focus on history and positive changes for the future.

We can continue to celebrate the achievements and amazing contributions of people all around the world and their determination, successes, and leadership. Bianca Miller, award winning entrepreneur and personal branding speaker gives several reasons Black History month is important and why it should be more widely celebrated:

• Commemorate the past but look to the future.
• Celebrate success stories.
• Make plans for future change.
• Provide a clear insight into the truth of Black History which is not just slavery.
• Improve knowledge to increase diversity and inclusion.
• Remind colleagues of the issues and disparity.
• Education / Change.

These are only a few of the reasons it is important that we celebrate Black History Month. Continue to have open conversations, ask questions, and educate yourself on Black History. Most importantly, appreciate and celebrate the amazing achievements accomplished by Black people!

"There is no American history without African American history," said Sara Clarke Kaplan, executive director of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University in Washington, D.C. The Black experience is embedded in "everything we think of as 'American history.'"

Sources

Darryl Michael Scott, 2011, 2010, 2009 ASALH, “Origins of Black History Month – ASALH – The Founders of Black History Month”, January 28, 2024. <https://asalh.org/about-us/origins-of-black-history-month/>.

“The Reason We Celebrate Black History Month”, Google. January 28, 2024. <https://google.com/search?q=The+reason+we+celebrate+black+history+month/>.

Bianca Miller Cole, “7 Reasons to Celebrate Black History” Forbes. January 28, 2024. <https://www.forbes.com/sites/biancamillercole/2020/10/14/7>

“Here’s the Story behind Black History Month – and why it’s celebrated in February”, npr. January 29, 2024. <https://www.npr.org/2022/02/01/1075623826>.