Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month

Across the country, February marks Black History Month. It is a time when we can honor the contributions of African Americans who have helped shape American history.

This year’s Black History Month celebrates the theme of “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, an American historian and scholar who was also known as the “father of Black History,” established Negro History Week, during which schools and educators promoted and educated others about Black history and culture. By the late 1960s, Negro History Week evolved into what is now known as Black History Month.

February was selected as the dedicated month because it is when Black communities have historically celebrated their past. February is also the birthday month of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, both of whom were influential in the abolitionist movement, fighting against slavery and for the emancipation of slaves.

Stay tuned for more Black History Month coverage from NYCHANow…