What is Black History Month?

Black history month commemorates the significant events and achievements of the African-American population of the United States. This tradition marked its beginning officially from 1976. It is celebrated in the month of February in the United States of America. It celebrates all the historic events from 1915, wherein the thirteenth amendment of the American constitution abolished slavery in the US. Here are few black history month facts, which have made a huge difference to mankind today.

Who Started Black History Month?
It was Dr Carter Woodson who started the 'Negro History Week' to focus peoples attention and bring to their notice the role and contribution of African Americans in the American history. Dr Woodson was an African American who completed his PhD from Harvard. He found the need to become the voice of African Americans who were wrongly represented and treated in early times. He founded the 'Association for the Study of Negro Life and History' in 1915, which is now known as Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History.

Why is February Black History Month?
Considering the timeline of African American history, it was around 1926, that Dr Woodson initiated the celebration of the black history month in February. He chose this month, as February is marked by the birthdays of two great personalities of American history who had a very big influence on changing the social standing and condition of African Americans. These two personalities were former president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Fredrick Douglass. Do you know when is black history month celebrated in other parts of the world? Well, apart from the United States, black history month is celebrated in Canada in the month of February and in the UK its celebrated in the month of October.

We all want our kids to know the history that changed the face of this world. Black history month is one such significant event that everyone must be aware of. Here are a few quick black history month facts.