Written by Raiana Kelly, AADM Contributing Writer
Black History Month, celebrated annually for the entire month of February, is a celebration of the achievements of African Americans and a recognition of their essential role and contributions to the United States. Black History Month is celebrated because black people’s contributions to society have been largely overlooked in most historical contexts.
Black History Month has its roots in 1915. Fifty years after slavery was abolished in the United States, Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson, and minister Jesse E. Moorland, founded what is known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), an organization dedicated to the research and promotion of the achievements of Black Americans and other people of African descent. In 1926, the ASALH sponsored the first Black History Week during the second week of February. This event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs, and host performances and lectures.
By the 1960’s, Black History Week had grown and was widely celebrated on college campuses around the United States. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and urged the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since Gerald Ford’s endorsement in 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.
The theme for Black History Month 2020 was chosen by the ASALH and is “African Americans and the Vote.” This theme was chosen to honor the fight for voting rights and two important anniversaries: the 150th anniversary of the 15th amendment (the right to vote for black men) and the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment (the right for women to vote). The annual observance of Black History Month is an opportunity to learn about, appreciate, and honor outstanding community leaders, innovators, and heroes that inspire and shape our nation. If you’re looking for new ways to celebrate this year, check out this list from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
If you’d like to become more involved locally, please visit www.aadmovement.org/join