Celebrating Black History: Origins and Significance

Black history is American History. The celebration of Black history and its origins stems from the need to acknowledge the valuable contributions of the Black (African American) people to this great country.

Carter G. Woodson

Originally Black History Month was called Negro History Week and created by Carter G. Woodson a Harvard-trained historian. He and Jesse E. Moorland, a minister, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) to research and promote the accomplishments of Black Americans.

Why is Black History Celebrated in February

Woodson and Moorland started Negro History week in February of 1926. The second week of the month was chosen to align with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and activist, author, abolitionist, and public speaker Frederick Douglass.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and encouraged the public to take the time to honor the far to often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans throughout history.

Black History Icons

Many know of Black Americans such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and George Washington Carver.

Additional notables include Hattie McDaniel, the first Black American performer to win an Academy Award, Jackie Robinson, the first Black American to play Major League Baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and many others who are honored and celebrated for their contributions to not only Black lives in the US but also to all people.

The Theme for Black History Month 2025

Each year ASALH generates a theme to celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans. This year’s theme is “African Americans and Labor.”

It focuses on the different ways work and work of all types (free or not) skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary cross paths with the shared experiences of Black citizens.

The United Kingdom as well as Canada celebrate Black History.

Ways to Celebrate and Show Honor for Black History

• Eat at a Black-owned restaurant (not only during Black History Month, but throughout the year) Find a restaurant near you on Eat Black Owned
• Support a Black-owned business or online store You can purchase calendars, journals, greeting cards, Canvas Art, etc. online at African American Expressions™

• Create and PLAY a Black musicians playlist

Playlist ideas:

Aretha Franklin
Stevie Wonder
Louis Armstrong
Lauryn Hill

• Creatives – Historical timeline display

Create a timeline displaying important events and people in Black history.

• Visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture

If you’re creating a vacation to-do list, include a visit to the museum in Washington, D.C., part of the Smithsonian.

It offers collections and exhibits that highlight American history through an African American perspective, a great addition to your Black History Month activities.

• Visit the Motown Museum

The “Motown Sound” really transformed American music during the 1960s. Famous artists like Marvin Gaye, the Four Tops, and the Supremes were part of it. It also brought us the Jackson 5 and Stevie Wonder, mixing rock ‘n’ roll with black music, jazz, and gospel influences.

At the interactive museum in Detroit, you can have an amazing time singing your favorite songs and exploring exhibits that showcase the incredible history and influence of Motown music.

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Attend local Black History Month events

A lot of cities and community organizations are gearing up to celebrate Black History Month this February 2025. To find out what’s taking place near you, be sure to check your local newspaper or city website.

Not looking to attend events in person, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, is offering online Black History Month events throughout February.

What will you do to celebrate Black History month?

Share in the comments section.

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