Black History Month's History - In February for a Reason

We've been in it for 2 weeks now, but as we all should know, February is celebrated as Black History Month. It's evident that history has been made by many African Americans through the course of may months and all years dating back to the beginning, but this is the month dedicated to acknowledging our trail blazers, here in the US and beyond. How much more this year should we truly celebrate, as because of the many strides of our previous leaders, a man emerged who would become the first Black President of the Unite States... this calls for celebration!

Now, many people believe that there is some conspiracy as to why Black History Month is in February, the shortest month of the year... Well, I am here to give you a scholarly answer that will eliminate this need for a conspiracy. No, the White man didn't make us choose February because they wanted us to celebrate in the shortest time possible. Not true at all!

Black History Month, which was initially called Negro History Week, was developed by Carter G. Woodson in 1926. This time was initially created to recognize all accomplishments within the history of the African Diaspora. Woodson chose the month of February in honor of President Abraham Lincoln's date of birth (February 11) and of slave, scholar, abolotionist, and political figure Fredrick Douglas. It was believed that Fredrick Douglas was born in February, and most specifically on this date, February 14, because his grandmother was known to call him "Valentine". Hence, Negro History Week was centered around Valentine's Day, and it has grown to become Black History Month.

If you want a good read for Black History, check out one of the first accounts of documenting the accomplishments of African Americans; "Black Reconstruction" by W.E.B. Dubois.

--- Know your history, Know yourself. ---