Today is Sunday, February 19th, 2023, the middle to the near end of Black History Month and we all are celebrating it in our own different way and with the celebrating we learn something about the historical event that was once celebrated in the form of a week created by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 and later on became a month by the signing of a bill by President Gerald Ford back in 1976 acknowledging the successes and importance of black Americans who contributed to America’s greatness.
The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 in the U.S. when historian Carter G. Woodson announced the second week of February because it coincided with the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln (who was born on February 12th and Frederick Douglass on February 14th). Early in the event’s history, African-American newspapers lent crucial support. From the event’s initial phase, primary emphasis was placed on encouraging the coordinated teaching the history of Black Americans in the nation’s public schools. The first Negro history Week was met with tepid hesitation, just gaining the support from the department of education of the states of Delaware and West Virginia, as well as the city school systems of Baltimore, Maryland, Washington D.C. Despite this limited observance, Woodson regarded the event as “one of the most fortunate steps ever taken by the Association” and plans for an annual repeat of the event continued.
Fast forward to 1976, when Black History Month was celebrated all over the United States in educational institutions, community centers, elementary schools, and at various places where special events are held. President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month during the 200th anniversary of America’s Bicentennial and has been observed ever since. Now, how I celebrate Black History Month is that I would watch various African-American movies, series, documentaries and listen to podcasts dealing with the African-American experience and what more I can learn from the month-long observance, therefore I wish all my blog followers a Happy Black History Month and enjoy these glorious days of history…
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