Interesting Black History Month Facts You Should Know

From the hidden figures, that made a significant impact to honoring and celebrating the achievements of African Americans, Black American history is incredibly rich.  We’ve gathered a few points, spanning various topics that will inspire you to understand Black History Month, its importance, significance, and much more. Let’s explore some of the interesting facts that you should know about Black History Month. 

What is black History Month?

Black History Month is an annual event that honors and celebrates the achievements of African Americans in the United States. Many black leaders have contributed to shaping the U.S., and Black History Month serves as an important opportunity to learn about their histories, experiences with racism, and struggles against slavery.

Why Do We Celebrate Black History Month?

The day was founded by Carter G. Woodson, popularly known as the “Father of Black History,” in February 1926. Woodson aimed to bring attention to African culture and history, so he created a week called “Negro History Week” and decided to celebrate it during the second week of February. He chose this week because it coincided with the birth months of two legends, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Negro History Week was celebrated in schools through performances and lectures about Black leaders.

Black History Month Facts

Negro History Week later evolved into Black History Month. Here are some interesting facts about Black History Month.

• Every year, the Association for the Study of African American Literature and History (ASAALH) decides the theme for Black History Month. In February 2022, the theme was Black Health and Wellness.
• ASAALH is the oldest historical society established to promote African American history, serving the general population and academics.
• Though President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, Congress passed “National Black History Month” into law, paving the way for many countries to celebrate.
• Several countries celebrate Black History Month in different months. The United States, Germany, and Canada celebrate it in February, while the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Ireland celebrate it in October.

Why Is Black History Month Important?

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of Africans to the United States. It provides African Americans with an opportunity to acknowledge key figures from the past and present, spotlighting and celebrating their achievements despite the history of racism and oppression in the country.

Which President Recognized Black History Month?

Black History Month was officially established in February 1976 by President Gerald Ford, who called upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.

Black History Month Events

Lectures and Panel Discussions

Panel discussions bring together the BME academics researching topics related to racism, anti-colonialism, and professionals working on EDI matters at the DPIR. 

DATE	LECTURE	TOPIC OF INTEREST
02/03/2021	VCU Libraries 21st Black History Month Lecture	Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America We are featuring historian Marcia Chatelain, Ph.D.
02/10/2022	VCU Libraries 22nd Black History Month Lecture	Featuring Pulitzer-Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed
02/23/2023	VCU Libraries 23rd Black History Month Lecture	Musical Crossroads a history of Black music Featuring the Smithsonian’s Dwandalyn Reece, Ph.D.

 

To know more about events, seminars, and discussions, check out Black History Month Lectures.

Film Screenings and Documentaries

Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues (2022)

This documentary film shows how Armstrong owns his life spans the shit from the civil war to the civil rights movement, and how he became a lightning rod figure in that turbulent era. 

Descendant (2022)

This documentary follows the members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America. 

I Am Not Your Negro (2016)

“I Am Not Your Negro” documentary film envisions the book James Baldwin never finished, a radical narration about race in America, using the writer’s original words, as read by actor Samuel L. Jackson. 

Art Exhibitions and Performances

“Awareness: Through an African American Lens” exhibition was held on Feb. 2 to March 2, Zenith Gallery, 1429 Iris St. NW, Washington, D.C.They celebrate the Black History Month Gallery with African American artists. Each Saturday in February at 2 p.m., they will host an artist talk. 

To know more about it, visit::https://www.nbcwashington.com/entertainment/the-scene/black-history-month-in-the-dc-area-exhibits-performances-and-more-to-discover-african-american-heritage/3529744/

Community Celebrations and Festivals

Los Angeles Black History Month Festival

This festival will feature an African-American marketplace and a headlining set by R&B singer Ro James. Discussions on topics including health, mental health, and issues related to the African American community will also be held. 

African American Festival

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach will host the 22nd annual African American Festival. This event will include music, dance, storytelling, historical displays, and the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony.  

5 Ways to Celebrate Black History

• Visit a black museum and learn about their contributions and achievements.
• Participate in Black Month events and celebrations.
• Organize a workshop or invite motivational speakers to your office.
• Support black-owned businesses.
• Watch documentaries or movies about black history.

Book Readings and Author Talks

“Black History for Beginners by Denise Dennis and Susan Willmarth” covers a rich history often ignored, chronicling the struggle from capture and enslavement in Africa to the Civil Rights Era and the struggle of Black people. 

Carter G. Woodson was a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people led to the establishment of Black History Month, marked every February since 1976.  

Community Service Projects

• Black Mothers’s Breastfeeding Association promotes Black Material Health
• Black Women Stitch advocates for Black liberation, Radical Self Love, and Social Justice
• Generation NOW focuses on  the Youth Development
• “We Will All Rise” supports past and present changemakers.

We hope that this blog helps you know some interesting facts about Black History Month.