Black History Month-History, Celebrations, Significance
Table of Contents
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is celebrated to recognise the efforts and sacrifices made by African Americans.
Black History Month is also known as African American History Month. It is an annual observance in the countries like United States and Canada to celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history.
When is Black History Month?
Black History Month takes place every February in the United States and every February or October in Canada.
The first Black History Month was observed in February 1976 in the United States, and it has since become a time for reflection, education, and celebration of the important role that African Americans have played in shaping American society and culture.
History behind Black History Month
In the year 1926 Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week. The main focus of this action was to focus attention on the contributions made by the Black to civilizations.
Woodson who is also referred to as the “Father of Black History“, was the second only the Black American who had completed doctorate from Harvard University after W.E.B Du Bois.
Woodson said, “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.“
Why February chosen as Black History Month?
The father of Black History, Woodson chose a only February to celebrate as the month because of one common reason which was the birthday of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass.
It is noted that the birthday of Abraham Lincoln was February 12, while Frederick Douglass’s was on February 14. Though Frederick was was born enslaved unware of his actual birthday but he chose to celebrate his birthday on February 14.
Objective of Black History Month Celebrations
Every year in February, National Black History Month is celebrated. The purpose of this is to send a strong reminder that Black Culture is American Culture as they are also the integral part of America.
The month recognizes the progress, sacrifices, struggles done by the Black community of America.
Which Countries Celebrate Black History Month?
Along with United States, other countries have also started observing Black History Month. Some of these countries are:
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Netherlands
5 Facts about Black History Month
- Black History Month was earlier Negro History Week
- Theme for Black History Month is different every year
- Black History Month is an honour to Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass
- Both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass have their birthdays fell in February
- Black History Month honours all African Black Americans and their contributions and sacrifice in the civilisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Black History Month Celebrated?
Ans: Black History Month is celebrated in February.
Q: Who is the Father of Black History Month?
Ans: Carter G. Woodson
Q: What was the original name of Black History Month?
Ans: Negro History week
Q: Why February second week was chose to celebrated Black History Week?
Ans: Because of the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ that fell in the second week of February.
Also Read:
Biography of Carter G. Woodson
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