What is the origin of Black History Month?

In 1915, historian Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The organization is dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by African Americans and other people of African descent. Since its inception, ASALH has promoted year-round and year-after-year study of African American history. 

The group launched Negro History Week in February of 1926 as a coordinated effort to develop lessons and encourage the teaching of Black history across the nation's communities and public schools. In time, mayors and other leaders issued annual proclamations recognizing "Negro History Week” and many communities expanded beyond weeklong activities. Public intellectuals, church, and civic organizations, the Black press, politicians and historians promoted the initiative, which evolved in the 1960s amid the national discourse on race and identity. 

Negro History Week formally changed into what would become Black History Month by 1976 when President Gerald Ford extended the observation to a full month - one honoring the contributions of black Americans to this day. Since then, every U.S. president has recognized the month and endorsed a specific theme set by ASALH.

Why is it celebrated in February each year?

Seeking to bring even more stories of African Americans to light, in 1926, Woodson founded the first Negro History Week. Woodson chose February for reasons of tradition and reform to coincide with Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass’s birthdays. Both men were symbols of freedom. Woodson also built the Negro History Week around a time traditionally spent reflecting the Black heritage.

Why did the museum choose the theme of Art as a Platform for Social Justice? 

Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History chooses a theme to focus the attention of the public. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis. This year’s theme is “African Americans and the Arts."

How is the museum celebrating this year’s Black History Month theme? 

Make your voice heard this Black History Month and join us in sharing key stories of Black resistance. Each week throughout February, the museum will focus on five weekly areas of art and activism by sharing objects and stories highlighting the ‘art of resistance’ and the artists who used their crafts to uplift the race, speak truth to power and inspire a nation. The weekly focus areas are: 

• Week 1, Feb 1-4:  Cultural Expressions (Literature and Poetry) 
• Week 2, Feb. 5-11: Taking the Stage (Performing Arts)
• Week 3, Feb. 12-18: Reckoning (Visual Art)
• Week 4, Feb. 19-25: Musical Crossroads (Music)
• Week 5, Feb. 26-29: Afrofuturism (Digital Arts)

Is Black History Month celebrated in other countries?

Other countries devote a month to celebrating Black history such as Canada and the United Kingdom. Canada and Germany celebrate in February, but countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands recognize their own celebrations of the contributions of Africa, Africans and people of African descent in October. In Belgium, Black History Month is held in March. 

Download the puzzle Download the answer key

Listen

Listen

Listen

Listen on Tidal

Listen on YouTube