The history of Black History Month has its ties as far back as 1915 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, historian and author, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, ASALH). Through this, Dr. Woodson started the first Negro History Week in February 1926. Dr. Woodson chose February because it encompassed the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, key figures to the history, life, and story of Back Americans.
What Woodson didn't expect was the cerebration growing as quickly as it did. He advocated for education and celebration.
In 1975, President Ford issued a "Message on the Observance of Black History Week" for Americans to "recognize the important contribution made to our nation's life and culture by black citizens". The following year the ASALH expanded the celebratory week to a celebratory month. In the same year, President Ford issued a "Message on the Observance of Black History Month". In 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244 that cemented February 1986 as "National Black (Afro-American) History Month" where Congress directed future presidents to issue proclamations for the observance of Black History Month.
Sources:
ASALH
"Black History Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide" by the Library of Congress
"Message on the Observance of Black History Week" by The American Presidency Project
"Message on the Observance of Black History Month" by The American Presidency Project
The purpose of this guide is to offer a small celebration, offer education, and provide entertainment during this heritage month. It is not an extensive guide to every culture into to those to celebrate Black History Month, but we try our best to be as wide ranging as possible. Please learn and enjoy.
The Smithsonian Institute's Cultural Expressions a "circular, experiential, introductory space to African American and African diaspora culture".
The National Museum of African American History & Culture's explorative museums. Smithsonian's online article describing one online museum, with pictures.
Special Series Black History Month 2024 from NPR. This is a collection of articles and audio media produced by NPR.
Reclaimed: The Story of Mamie Till-Mobley (Spotify)
This podcast is a three part season of Reclaimed. They explore Mamie Till-Mobley and what she went through as the mother of Emmett Till and before. Emmett was the 14 year old boy who was beaten and brutally murdered in Mississippi.
Reclaimed: The Forgotten League (Spotify)
Baseball is called America's sport, but for many decades, Black baseball players were bared from playing and forced to create their own league. In this season of Reclaimed, learn about the league during segregation and beyond.
The Kids of Rutherford Country (Spotify)
Host Meribah Knight explores multiple cases in one Tennessee county that span over a decade. This county "arrested and illegally jailed hundreds, maybe thousands of children". This podcast explores what happened to those children and talks to the lawyers who "try to do something about it".
Folklife Today by The Library of Congress
"Kumbaya: Stories of an African American Spiritual"
"The Green Book and African American Travel with Candacy Taylor"
