Submitted by Sis. Alice Woods and Presented by Min. Elnora Daniel
Carter G. Woodson initiated the first celebration of black history week. He was a historian and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, the Journal of Negro History, and Negro History Week. Now known as the “Father of Black History” because of his efforts to promote African Americans. Woodson wrote pioneering social histories documenting the lives of black people at at time when mainstream white scholars felt that African Americans weren’t worthy of historical study. What is less known are Woodson’s activities in civil rights organizations. He was a lifelong member of both the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) which was founded on February 12, 1909, in New York City., and the National Urban League, which was founded on September 29, 1911. Both have interesting origin.
As early as the 1940s black people in West Virginia Woodson’s home state where he often spoke, began to celebrate February as Negro History Month. By the late 1960s as young black people on college campuses became increasingly conscious of links with Africa, Black History Month replaced Negro History Week. The Negro History Month officially changed to “Black History Month” in 1976, marking the 50th anniversary of the first “Negro History Week” established by Carter G. Woodson.
In 1976 President Gerald Ford, issued a proclamation to mark the occasion, making him the first president to formally designate Black History Month. Each February, National Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black History is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America- our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations. Shining a light on Black history today is a important to understanding ourselves and growing stronger as a Nation. That is why it is essential that we take time to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, “honor their legacies and achievements” of general’s past, reckon with centuries of injustice, and confront those injustices that still fester today.
If you’re interested in knowing more about the origin of Black History, you can search (ASALH) The Association for the study of African American Life and History.
Thank you and have a great day!