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February is
National Black History Month
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. In Nova Scotia,
the celebration of Black History Month, through the efforts of the Black History
Month Association has steadily grown with more events being presented and
escalating attendance figures. The celebration of Black History Month is the
most enduring legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a profound scholar of African
American History.
Find out more...
National African American History Month, 2006 A Proclamation by the President of
the United States of America
Federal Resources for Black History
Month
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