Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual observance in the United States, celebrated every February to recognize and honor the achievements, contributions, and history of African Americans. The month serves as a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of Black individuals throughout U.S. history, from slavery and segregation to the civil rights movement and beyond.

Origins and Evolution

The roots of Black History Month can be traced back to Carter G. Woodson, a pioneering African American historian, educator, and author. In 1926, Woodson, along with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH, now ASALH), launched Negro History Week to encourage the study of African American history in schools and the broader society.

• Why February?
  Woodson chose the second week of February because it coincided with the birthdays of two pivotal figures in American history:

  • Frederick Douglass (February 14) – A former enslaved person who became a leading abolitionist, writer, and speaker.
  • Abraham Lincoln (February 12) – The U.S. president who issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which played a major role in ending slavery.

• Expansion to Black History Month
  Over the decades, the week-long observance grew in popularity. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, calls for a more extensive celebration of Black history gained momentum. In 1976, as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, urging Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans.”

At Trinidad State College, Black History Month serves as an essential period of reflection, education, and recognition of the profound impact of African Americans on the nation’s history and culture. While it has evolved over time, the month remains a powerful reminder of the struggles, resilience, and achievements of Black individuals throughout our history.