February is National Black History Month

2008 NRCS Black History Month poster of Carter G. Woodson (NRCS image -- click to enlarge)

This year's theme for Black History Month is Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism. 

The History and Origins of National Black History Month
Black History Month had its origins in the United States and was the idea of African American Scholar and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson.  Dr. Woodson was one of the first Black Americans to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University.  In 1922 at the age of 47, he gave up his distinguished career as a university professor to dedicate himself to research and writing on the African American experience.  Among Dr. Woodson's publications are The Education of the Negro Prior to 1861; History of the Negro Church; Negro Makers of History; African Heroes and Heroines; and perhaps his most famous book, The Miseducation of the Negro.

African American scholar and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson

Dr. Woodson argued that the African American experience was a worthy subject of study.  He also called for a time when the "hidden history and culture" of American peoples could be celebrated.  In 1926, Dr. Woodson declared Black History Week. February was chosen for this week because of the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.  In the 1970's this call became entrenched as several Black organizations and community leaders have banded together to promote the concept of Black History Month.  The celebration of Black History Month is the most enduring legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a profound scholar of African American History.
Your contact is Bennie Clark, Jr., NRCS National Black Emphasis Program Manager, at 317-290-3200, ext. 394.

Find out more...
National African American History Month, 2008 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Federal Resources for Black History Month