Why is Black History Month observed in February? What historical events make this month so significant? How did February come to be the chosen month for celebrating African American achievements? Discover the story behind this important celebration.
Black History Month is celebrated every February in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, providing a moment to recognize the profound impact of African Americans on history and culture. While many are familiar with the celebration and its meaning, the significance of February as the month of observance is not as widely known. Was it a random decision, or is there a deeper, more intentional reason behind this timing? To understand why Black History Month is in February, we must first explore the origins of the celebration and how it evolved into what it is today.
The Birth of Black History Month
Dr. Carter G. Woodson: A Visionary of African American History
The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian, scholar, and advocate for African American history. Born in 1875 to formerly enslaved parents in Virginia, Dr. Woodson faced significant obstacles in his youth, including poverty and limited access to education. Nevertheless, his determination led him to earn a high school diploma at the age of 20 and later pursue higher education at Harvard University, where he earned a doctorate in history in 1912.
Dr. Woodson’s work as a historian and journalist highlighted the lack of representation of African American history in mainstream education. He recognized that African Americans’ contributions to society were often overlooked, erased, or misrepresented. Dr. Woodson strongly believed that a culture without history is a culture without inspiration, and thus, he made it his life’s work to bring African American history to the forefront of American education and culture.
Founding the Association for the Study of African American Life and History
In 1915, Dr. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) to promote the study and recognition of African American contributions. The organization aimed to elevate African American history to the level of importance that it deserved and to challenge the prevailing narrative that often excluded or marginalized African Americans.
That same year, Dr. Woodson also launched the Journal of Negro History, which became a key academic publication for the study of African American history and culture. His efforts to document and share the historical significance of African Americans were groundbreaking, and they laid the groundwork for the later observance of Black History Month.
Negro History Week: The First Step Toward Black History Month
In 1926, Dr. Woodson proposed the idea of Negro History Week, a week dedicated to the celebration of African American history and its contributions to the broader American society. The timing of this week was strategic—it was scheduled to coincide with the birthdays of two significant figures in African American history: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 was already celebrated by African Americans for its association with the Emancipation Proclamation, which abolished slavery in 1863. Likewise, Douglass’ birthday on February 14 was celebrated by many African Americans, particularly for his role as a former slave who became a prominent abolitionist and social reformer.
The purpose of Negro History Week was to encourage the broader public to recognize the importance of African American history, and it also sought to address the historical erasure of African Americans from national narratives.
The Evolution to Black History Month
While Negro History Week was a success and gained traction over the years, the idea of a more expansive celebration began to take root. By the late 1960s, during the Civil Rights Movement, the demand for racial justice and the celebration of African American culture and heritage reached new heights. The momentum of this movement led to greater awareness of the importance of African American history in shaping the nation’s identity.
In 1976, in the midst of the nation’s bicentennial celebrations, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month. This official designation was in line with Dr. Woodson’s vision, but now the celebration would span an entire month rather than just a week. Ford encouraged Americans to participate in the commemoration, stating that “the celebration of Black History Month is an opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Thus, Black History Month as we know it today began in February 1976 and has been celebrated annually ever since.
Why February?
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday: A Symbol of Emancipation
The decision to place Black History Month in February was not arbitrary. Dr. Woodson selected February for Negro History Week because it coincides with the birthdays of two key figures in African American history: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln, who was born on February 12, is most famously known for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which freed enslaved African Americans in the Southern states. For African Americans, Lincoln’s birthday symbolized freedom and liberation from the shackles of slavery.
In addition to Lincoln’s birthday, February 15 marks the passage of the 15th Amendment in 1870, which granted African American men the right to vote. This was a monumental step forward in the civil rights struggle and was celebrated by African Americans as a major victory.
Frederick Douglass: A Champion for African American Rights
Another central reason for choosing February was the birth of Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery in February 1818, Douglass escaped bondage and went on to become one of the most powerful voices of the abolitionist movement. Douglass’s advocacy for the rights of African Americans, his autobiographies, and his speeches—most notably his “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” address—helped to challenge the institution of slavery and to demand justice and equality for African Americans. Douglass is celebrated not only for his work as an abolitionist but also for his contributions to civil rights and his fight for equal education and voting rights.
The NAACP: A Historical Milestone
February also holds significance due to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on February 12, 1909. The NAACP was created to fight against racial injustice, provide legal support for civil rights cases, and advocate for racial equality. The organization played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and continues to be a major force in the ongoing fight for racial equality.
A Month of Reflection, Celebration, and Action
In selecting February, Dr. Woodson ensured that the month was rich with historical moments that would serve as a source of inspiration for African Americans and all people who were working to advance justice and equality. Today, the month is more than just a celebration of African American history; it is a time for reflection on the past, recognition of the present, and commitment to a more equitable future.
How Do We Celebrate Black History Month?
Each year, the theme for Black History Month changes, allowing different facets of African American history and culture to be highlighted. Themes have covered a wide array of topics, from African Americans in military service to civil rights, from art and literature to social justice. These themes provide an opportunity to educate people about specific areas of African American achievement and raise awareness of issues affecting the African American community.
Past Themes of Black History Month
African Americans in Times of War (2018)
This theme focused on the contributions of African Americans during times of war, particularly World War I and World War II. African Americans played crucial roles in both military and support capacities, and their experiences during these conflicts helped to reshape the national conversation about race, equality, and citizenship.
Civil Rights in America (2014)
This theme marked the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which was a landmark law that outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The 1964 Act was the culmination of decades of struggle, advocacy, and sacrifice by civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and John Lewis. The theme was an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the fight for civil rights and to renew efforts to address the unfinished work of racial equality.
Seventy-Five Years of Scholarly Excellence (1990)
This theme paid tribute to the rich legacy of African American scholars, historians, and educators who had contributed to the field of African American studies. This theme highlighted the importance of academic inquiry in understanding and documenting the history of African Americans and the role that scholars have played in shaping the narrative.
Conclusion
Black History Month is not simply a time for reflection but also a time for action—to continue the work of advocacy, education, and celebration. It is a chance to honor the contributions of African Americans, recognize their struggles, and affirm the importance of their role in the shaping of the United States and the world.
The timing of Black History Month in February has deep historical roots, connected to the births of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, as well as the passage of the 15th Amendment and the founding of the NAACP. These events provide a fitting backdrop for a month dedicated to honoring the achievements of African Americans and advancing the cause of racial equality.
Ultimately, Black History Month is a reminder that history is still being written, and every day offers an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing story of African Americans’ legacy, resilience, and achievement.
