Black History Month Facts & Why It Is Observed

Origins of Black History Month

Black history month is observed every year in the month of February to honor the inventions, discoveries, and contributions of African Americans. It was Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian who first came up with the idea of observing a week to remember and recognize African American contributors to the betterment and advancement of the American society. This was back in 1929. Later in 1969, teachers and students from the Kent University in Alabama proposed the idea of observing a whole month in honor of Black Americans. This movement was also called the African American History Month. 

Why Is Black History Month Celebrated in February?

Carter G. Woodson chose February to observe Negro History Week because of the birthdays of two prominent personalities that particular month, Abraham Lincoln (Feb 12th), and Frederick Douglass (Feb 20th). Later, the whole month was taken into consideration for the observance of Black History Month. 

What Countries Celebrate Black History Month?

Black History Month was initially observed only in the USA, and Canada. Countries like Ireland, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have started observing Black history month recently. 

Little-Known Black History Facts

This section discusses some of the famous African American personalities who have contributed greatly in various fields and in the recognition of whom Black history month is observed. 

1. C.J. Walker- The Guiness Book of World Records has named C.J. Walker as the first self-made millionaire woman of America. She invented the hot comb, a predecessor to our modern day straighteners. 

2. Rosa Parks was an African-American civil rights activist who initiated the Montgomery Bus Boycott where Black Americans boycotted travelling in public buses to break racism and segregation. 

3. Hattie McDaniel– She was the first African-American actor to win an Oscar for her performance in the movie ‘Gone With the Wind’.