February: USA Black History Month

What is today observed as Black History Month in the USA had a very limited and a very inauspicious beginning. It began in 1926 when Carter G. Woodson, an African-American historian and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History designated the second week of the month of February as “Negro History Week.” This week was chosen because it generally coincided with Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 and of Frederick Douglass’ birthday on February 14. Both dates were celebrated in Black communities since the late 19th century.

Carter G. Woodson acknowledged two primary reasons for the observance of “Negro History Week.” These were for recognition and importance. In later years, Woodson (1875 – 1950) regarded the observance as “one of the most fortunate steps ever taken by the Association,” and encouraged annual celebrations of the event.

The initial honoring of Negro History Week in 1926 was not as widespread as originally hoped. Only three state departments of education, Delaware, North Carolina and West Virginia, cooperated with the launching. Two municipal public school administrations. the City of Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., endorsed the event. This poor response didn’t discourage Carter G. Woodson and the Association of the Study of Negro Life and History. They continued their advocacy of both the program and future celebrations.

Carter G. Woodson

1875 – 1950

Negro History Week founder

Despite the lack of enthusiasm for the first Negro History Week observation, the event continued to grow and gained the acceptance and outright support of the African-American community, especially in churches and the public schools. As racial segregation was still a legal practice in most of the public school districts within the USA, there was little knowledge or understanding of this observance within the broader society (primarily Caucasian).

The Great Depression soon followed the return seasons of Negro History Week. However, the time of hardship had very little impact on the growing success of the occasion. The spirit of cooperation and community instilled the sense of togetherness and the need for survival. World War II soon after the Great Depression created an even more pressing need for the African-Americans to seek out others like themselves and to celebrate.

Shortly after the end of World War II, then-President Harry Truman ended the practice of racial segregation within the USA armed forces. This enabled the armed forces personnel to get to know one another without fear of judgement. This measure also encouraged the Black community to seek the end of segregation for the civilian population as well.

In the 1950’s, the US Supreme Court outlawed segregation in the public schools. This led to the slow appearance of Negro History Week into the public schools throughout this country. As a result, the concept of the historical importance of African-Americans in the emergence of this nation was beginning to become reality. The contributions of the race in all aspects of life now began recognition outside the Black community.

The name, Black History Month, was first proposed by African-American professors and the Black United Students at Kent State University in Ohio in February, 1969. The very first observation of Black History Month happened at the same university one year later during February, 1970.

By the time the second honoring of Black History Month, in February, 1971, the occasion was being celebrated in educational institutions, centers of Black culture, churches and community centers throughout the USA. Then-President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month during the USA Bicentennial in 1976. He urged all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

The above image is a design of the Adinkra symbol for the proverb from the same tribe which means: it is not too late to go back and retrieve it. This is especially true for all people, not merely African-Americans. We all benefit from the knowledge and understanding of our past, no matter where we originated.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Without their dedication and diligence in creating the ideal of Negro History Week, we may not be celebrating Black History Month today.

Happy Black History Month!

Naked hugs!

Roger/ReNude Pride