Black History Month (also known as African American History Month and Celebration of the African Diaspora) began as Negro History Week in February of 1926. Fifty years later, President Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976 as a month-long national observance occurring in February.
Each year, communities across our nation rise together to celebrate Black History with respect to establishing safe and equitable spaces, where all Black life will continue to be sustained, fortified, respected and honored. As we reflect what it means to be Black in this country, let us focus our actions and interactions on our responsibility to bring about change.
How did it begin?
In February of 1926, U.S. Scholar Carter G. Woodson (also known as the “founding father of Black history”) established Negro History Week.
Woodson, the son of formerly enslaved people (Anne Eliza Riddle Woodson and James Henry Woodson), worked as a coal miner while pursuing his education, culminating in becoming the second African American to earn a PhD from Harvard. In 1912, Woodson launched the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) to create educational curricula and share the achievements of African Americans.
“Education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better.” — U.S. Scholar, Carter G. Woodson
In 1926, Woodson started Negro History Week to share Black history and celebrate both culture and accomplishments. The weeklong celebration expanded to a month in 1976 and continues to be a time to reflect on the contributions Black people have made to the world. It is also a time, as is every month of the year, to focus on the impact of systemic, structural and institutional racism and the continued need for social justice.
Today, the United States, Canada and United Kingdom celebrate Black history during the month of February to encourage people of all ethnic and social backgrounds to recognize and discuss systemic racism, the Black experience and give visibility to people and organizations creating change in our communities, and world. In the month of February, we also celebrate African American contributions in the arts.
Theme
ASALH dedicates its 98th Annual Black History Theme to “African Americans and the Arts” exploring the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans.
In celebrating the entire history of African Americans and the arts, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) puts into the national spotlight the richness of the past and present with an eye towards what the rest of the twenty-first century will bring. Learn more about Black History Month themes >>
Articles
A recent article by THE LANCET analyzed data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming the disproportionate rate of interpersonal violence (IVP) targeting Black Women 🖤 Read Racial inequities in homicide rates and homicide methods among Black and White women aged 25–44 years in the USA, 1999–2020: a cross-sectional time series study and other educational articles below:
Audiobooks
Blogs
Courses & Projects
Readings
Playlists
American Heart Association – Black History Month “Be the Beat” CPR Playlist >>
Podcasts
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Voices of Freedom: Elevating Black Voices
Read Mentorship for Black professionals, earbuds not included, published by the UW College of Arts and Sciences. The article features UW alumni, Tiana Cole and Brad Blackburn III, who have spoken with Black civic leaders, broadcasters, business owners, educators, nonprofit directors, and other successful professionals about their careers — including how race has factored into their journeys. Stream their unfiltered conversations on Identity Unboxed.
Check out this TED Talk playlist in celebration of Black History Month to be inspired by thoughtful ruminations on Black identity and culture. Prefer to just listen? Here’s a Black History Month Playlist of podcasts >>
Videos
Movements
Encyclopedia
BlackPast – THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT TIMELINE, 1905-1975 >>
Archives
While Black History Month is a time for celebration, this is an important time to remember to practice self-care, focus on our well-being and health:
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African-Americans are 30 percent more likely to die from Heart Disease. The NIH, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have digital downloads with tips to improve Heart Health: