Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as "Negro History Week" and later as "Black History Month." What you might not know is that black history had barely begun to be studied-or even documented-when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America at least as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the history books.
Blacks Absent from History Books
We owe the celebration of Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of black history, to Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Born to parents who were former slaves, he spent his childhood working in the Kentucky coal mines and enrolled in high school at age twenty. He graduated within two years and later went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. The scholar was disturbed to find in his studies that history books largely ignored the black American population-and when blacks did figure into the picture, it was generally in ways that reflected the inferior social position they were assigned at the time.
Established Journal of Negro History
Woodson, always one to act on his ambitions, decided to take on the challenge of writing black Americans into the nation's history. He established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now called the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History) in 1915, and a year later founded the widely respected Journal of Negro History. In 1926, he launched Negro History Week as an initiative to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history.
Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. However, February has much more than Douglass and Lincoln to show for its significance in black American history. For example:
February 23, 1868: W. E. B. DuBois, important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born.
February 3, 1870: The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote.
February 25, 1870: The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels (1822-1901), took his oath of office.
February 12, 1909: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by a group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City.
February 1, 1960: In what would become a civil-rights movement milestone, a group of black Greensboro, N.C., college students began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter.
February 21, 1965: Malcolm X, the militant leader who promoted Black Nationalism, was shot to death by three
Excellent! There is a wonderful law of nature that the three things we crave most- happiness, freedom, and peace of mind- are always attained by giving them to someone else. --Anonymous
Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. However, February has much more than Douglass and Lincoln to show for its significance in black American history.
Black History cannot be condensed to one week or one short month. African American History is a course of study, a curriculum in higher education. A celebration of our history can encompass any time frame we desire. A month is just a beginning when we each have a lifetime to teach and learn from others. Black History Month is a designated month of celebration to provide enlighten to others outside our race.
Black History cannot be condensed to one week or one short month. African American History is a course of study, a curriculum in higher education. A celebration of our history can encompass any time frame we desire. A month is just a beginning when we each have a lifetime to teach and learn from others. Black History Month is a designated month of celebration to provide enlighten to others outside our race.
I don't disagree with much of what U say, however we can not should not limit it to other races. Too many of our own people are still in the dark. U would be surprised on how many have noooo clue still walking round with an excuse not to celebrate BHM because it was a holiday created by whites. Blind as bats many are we.
I had no idea that so many things effecting blacks happened in February and that is why we celebrate it. It makes sense! Thanks! The information is out there if you just look and it appears to me you don't have to look far. So, I guess I should say the answer is there if you ask the question.
I am amazed that this section is so limited as we need not to just read a line or two about our ancestors but to really honor them and learn from them as they have opened doors. We need to understand their triumph and thier failures as well. We need to take the time to go back in order to go forward. Or must I wait till next year for another post???? Let the mystery of our history be no more and celebrate those who had a vision, passed that vision of liberation and true upliftment of our people.
I am amazed that this section is so limited as we need not to just read a line or two about our ancestors but to really honor them and learn from them as they have opened doors. We need to understand their triumph and thier failures as well. We need to take the time to go back in order to go forward. Or must I wait till next year for another post???? Let the mystery of our history be no more and celebrate those who had a vision, passed that vision of liberation and true upliftment of our people.
Peace
During the month of January - March we had lots of blogs daily on history month. They are in the archives of this groups pages. I think you will find it quite uplifting to go through and see what blogs intrest you from january-march. we started a few weeks before MLk b-day then on into march. Take a look
Think you for your response but do we end it there? Why must we limit the information and discussion? Have not we been limited enough. We had made strides yes, but we have gotten into the pattern of complacency and have adopted a stagnant way of looking at ourselves and our past. The old adage the past is the past is something to keep us in continual darkness about what we should do and where we should go to progress with our future generations.
Think you for your response but do we end it there? Why must we limit the information and discussion? Have not we been limited enough. We had made strides yes, but we have gotten into the pattern of complacency and have adopted a stagnant way of looking at ourselves and our past. The old adage the past is the past is something to keep us in continual darkness about what we should do and where we should go to progress with our future generations.
Not at all feel free to post whenever you like, I would like to remind you to swing by the groups homepage to familarize yourself with the posting rules and then I look fwd to seeing your post and what you may bring to our table for us all to feast on.
Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. However, February has much more than Douglass and Lincoln to show for its significance in black American history. 
