Why February for Black History Month?
Black History Month is the progression from the earlier recognition of “Negro History Week,” which began in 1926. At that time, in the early 20th century, people had not studied black history much at all, and African Americans were not well-represented in history books. Either they were ignored, and not discussed, or cast in unfavorable light. The tradition was started by Dr. Carter Woodson, the son of former slaves, who had earned a Ph.D. from Harvard – the second African American to do so. Dr. Woodson thought that February would be an appropriate time to recognize the historical contributions of black people in America, particularly due to the fact that two influential leaders were born that month: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Negro History Week was celebrated annually the second week of February. Abraham Lincoln is known, of course, for his role in largely ending slavery in the mid-1800s. As the 16th President of the United States, he signed the Emancipation Proclamation,
