Every February, Americans of all ages and backgrounds take part in Black History Month. The celebration of Black history started in 1915 when Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). Now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), this organization has helped in the recognition of African American history and the research that goes behind learning about African American history and culture.
In 1926, the ASNLH sponsored the first Negro History Week. This inspired schools to hold plays, host speeches, and have celebrations in honor of black history. Over time many cities recognized Negro History Week and began holding yearly celebrations in honor of African American history.
Because of the civil right movement, many college campuses in the 1960’s began recognizing February as Black History Month. In 1976 President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month. Every year after February was proclaimed to be Black History Month.
Ever since then, every Black History Month would have a specific theme. In 2012 the theme was how African American women helped shaped American history. In this upcoming Black History Month, the theme will include the one-hundred fifty year anniversary of the abolishment of slavery. It will also celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Civil Rights March in Washington D.C. where Martin Luther King Jr. made his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Overall, Black History Month has become an important part of American history. By taking part in Black History Month, Americans learn more about their own history and many of the influential people that contributed to what America is today.
http://www.history.com/topics/black-history-month