Celebrating Black History Month

First celebrated in 1976, Black History Month was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford to "honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

The story of Black History Month dates back to 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. The event grew out of "Negro History Week" which was established in 1926 by historian/writer Carter G. Woodson and celebrated yearly in many cities and school campuses across the country.

By the late 1960s — thanks in part to the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of Black identity and culture — "Negro History Week" evolved into Black History Month. Since 1976, every U.S. president has designated February as the month to celebrate Black History.