On February 1, America and Canada begin Black History Month, a time to appreciate the diversity and contributions of the African American community. But, not many people know how Black History Month began.
Carter G Woodson, an African American historian, writer and teacher, born in 1875, is known as the father of black history. Woodson was the son of previously enslaved parents, who committed himself to his education and eventually became the first black person to earn a PHD at Harvard University. He was one of the first scholars to study the history and impact of African American culture and its misrepresentation in society and the school system.
In 1915 Woodson and the ‘Association for the Study of Negro Life and History ’ launched Negro History Week which took place the second week of February, a tribute to Frederick Douglass, former slave and abolitionist, and Abraham Lincoln, the president who signed the Emancipation Proclamation. As the movement grew, more of society recognized the importance of African American history, during the United States Bicentennial Celebration on February 10th 1976, President Ford officially changed to Black History month.
Every year, Black History Month has a different theme, for 2025 the theme is ‘African Americans and Labor’ which showcases how African Americans have worked both paid and unpaid in many different roles throughout time.
Soha Kulsum, a student at Briar Woods says that Black History Month is important because, “It’s important to help learn about the past cultures throughout history which we don’t get taught in school.”
In the school system today, Black history is taught more and is more widely represented in schools, including Black history assemblies that take place at some schools which showcase different dances, art pieces, music, and more. Black History Month is important in showing the younger generations the impact Black culture has had on society today, and that it is important to remember the origin behind this commemorative month, always.
