50 Fun Facts About Black History Month

Who is widely regarded as the "Father of Black History Month"?

Carter G. Woodson, a historian, established "Negro History Week" in 1926, which later expanded into Black History Month.

In what year did "Negro History Week," the precursor to Black History Month, officially begin?

Historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History initiated "Negro History Week" in February 1926.

Black History Month is observed annually in February in the United States and which other North American country?

Both the United States and Canada celebrate Black History Month in February.

In the United Kingdom, Black History Month is celebrated in which month?

While the United States and Canada observe Black History Month in February, the United Kingdom celebrates it in October.

The selection of February for Black History Month (originally Negro History Week) was partly to coincide with the birthdays of which two prominent historical figures?

February was chosen because it includes the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14), both significant figures in the abolitionist movement.

In what year did President Gerald Ford officially recognize Black History Month in the United States?

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, urging Americans to honor the accomplishments of Black Americans.

The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), co-founded by Carter G. Woodson, was established in what year?

Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now ASALH) in 1915, a decade before Negro History Week began.

Before national recognition, students and educators at which university proposed and held the first celebration of Black History Month in February 1970?

Black educators and students at Kent State University proposed the first Black History Month in February 1969, with the first celebration taking place in January-February 1970.

Along with Carter G. Woodson, who was a co-founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH)?

Jesse E. Moorland, an American minister and community executive, co-founded the ASNLH with Carter G. Woodson in 1915.

What is a primary purpose of Black History Month?

Black History Month serves as an annual observance to celebrate the often-neglected accomplishments and contributions of Black people throughout history.

In Canada, which Member of Parliament introduced the motion in 1995 to officially recognize February as Black History Month?

The Honorable Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to Parliament in Canada, introduced the parliamentary motion that officially recognized February as Black History Month in 1995.

In what year was Black History Month first celebrated in the United Kingdom?

Black History Month was first celebrated in London, UK, on October 1, 1987, led by Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo.

Which organization selects the annual themes for Black History Month in the United States?

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) designates a theme for each Black History Month to guide reflection and education.

What was Black History Month originally known as when it was first established in 1926?

The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 as "Negro History Week" by Carter G. Woodson.

Before its expansion, Negro History Week gained significant support from which type of publications?

Early in its history, African-American newspapers lent crucial support to Negro History Week.

Who was the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, instrumental in Canada's official recognition of Black History Month?

The Honorable Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to Parliament, introduced the motion in 1995 that led to Canada's official recognition of February as Black History Month.

In the UK, who is credited with organizing the first Black History Month celebration in London in 1987?

Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a coordinator of special projects for the Greater London Council, led the creation and first celebration of Black History Month in the UK in 1987.

Which US President signed a joint resolution in 1986 designating February as "National Black History Month"?

In 1986, the U.S. Congress, in a joint resolution, designated February as "National Black History Month," and President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation in observance.

The inspiration for Black History Month can be traced back to Carter G. Woodson's participation in the Lincoln Jubilee, a celebration held in what city?

The story of Black History Month begins in Chicago during the summer of 1915, when Carter G. Woodson participated in the Lincoln Jubilee.

In Canada, the first provincial proclamation of Black History Month was issued by which city in 1979?

In 1979, the first-ever Canadian proclamation for Black History Month was issued by the City of Toronto, following a petition from the Ontario Black History Society.

The Negro History Bulletin, which focused on the annual theme for Negro History Week, was established by Carter G. Woodson in what year?

In 1937, at the urging of Mary McLeod Bethune, Woodson established the Negro History Bulletin, which focused on the annual theme.

In what decade did the push for a month-long celebration of Black history pick up steam due to the Civil Rights and Black Power movements?

The push for a more outsized celebration picked up steam as a result of the Civil Rights and the Black Power movements of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

What country, in addition to the US and Canada, has recently begun to celebrate Black History Month in February?

Black History Month has recently also been celebrated in Ireland, where it is observed in October, similar to the UK.

The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University has its foundation in the personal library donated by which co-founder of the ASNLH?

Jesse E. Moorland donated his large private library on Black history to Howard University in 1914, forming the foundation of what is now the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center.

What was the theme for Black History Month in the US in 2024?

The ASALH theme for Black History Month 2024 was "African Americans and the Arts."

Which American abolitionist and orator, born in February, is one of the figures whose birthday influenced the timing of Black History Month?

February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both of whom Black communities had celebrated since the late 19th century.

The first Black History Month celebration at Kent State University in 1970 lasted for approximately how long?

The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State from January 2 to February 28, 1970, spanning approximately two months.

Carter G. Woodson's college fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, introduced "Negro History and Literature Week" in what year?

In 1924, spurred on by Woodson, his college fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, introduced Negro History and Literature Week.

Which Canadian Senator introduced the motion in 2008 to officially recognize the contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month at the national level?

In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month.

The 2023 theme for Black History Month in the US, "Black Resistance," focused on what aspect of Black history?

The ASALH theme for Black History Month 2023 was "Black Resistance." The themes often reflect the aspirations and social movements influencing the Black community.

Which US President issued a proclamation in 1975 on the observance of Negro History Week, urging Americans to honor accomplishments?

In 1975, President Gerald Ford issued a message on the observance of Negro History Week, urging all Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans."

The UK's Black History Month in October was chosen partly due to its importance in the African calendar and the 150th anniversary of what event?

Akyaaba Addai-Sebo chose October for the UK Black History Month, partly because it coincided with the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation from slavery.

What was the theme for Black History Month in the US in 2022?

The ASALH theme for Black History Month in 2022 was "Black Health and Wellness."

Carter G. Woodson was born in 1875 to formerly enslaved parents in which US state?

Woodson, who was born in 1875 in Virginia to formerly enslaved parents, wanted to honor the heritage and achievements of Black Americans.

Which prominent African American intellectual persuaded Jesse E. Moorland to donate his private library to Howard University in 1914?

In 1914, Kelly Miller, a leading African-American intellectual, persuaded Moorland to donate his large private library to Howard University.

What was the theme for Black History Month in the US in 2021?

The ASALH theme for Black History Month in 2021 was "The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity."

Which state in Canada has observed 'African Heritage Month' since 1996, evolving from its earlier Black History Month observance?

The first Black History Month in Nova Scotia was observed in 1988 and later renamed African Heritage Month in 1996.

Carter G. Woodson earned his Ph.D. in history from which prestigious university?

Carter G. Woodson, a pioneer in African-American history, earned his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University.

The UK's Black History Month aims to educate the local community on the challenges of racism and what other aspect of history often not taught in schools?

In the UK, Black History Month encourages people to learn more about Britain's colonial history, which is often not taught in school.

In what year did the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) successfully petition to proclaim February as Black History Month in Ontario?

In 1993, the OBHS successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month.

Carter G. Woodson also initiated the publication of which academic journal in 1916?

Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915 and initiated the publication of The Journal of Negro History in 1916.

According to the ASALH, what is the theme for Black History Month in the US in 2027?

The ASALH theme for Black History Month 2027 is "From Black Print Culture to Digital Blackness."

Which movement of the late 1960s contributed to the expansion of Negro History Week into Black History Month?

The Civil Rights and Black Power movements of the late 1960s and early 1970s helped generate momentum for the expansion of Negro History Week into Black History Month.

What was the theme for Black History Month in the US in 2020?

The ASALH theme for Black History Month in 2020 was "African Americans and the Vote."

Jesse E. Moorland served as the first general secretary of the Washington, D.C. branch of which organization?

Jesse E. Moorland served as the first general secretary of the Washington, D.C. branch of the YMCA from 1891 to 1893.

In what year was the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) established in Canada?

The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) was established in 1978.

Which US President issued annual proclamations recognizing Black History Month every year since 1996?

Every US President has issued an annual proclamation recognizing Black History Month since 1996, starting with President Bill Clinton.

What was the theme for Black History Month in the US in 2018?

The ASALH theme for Black History Month 2018 was "African Americans in Times of War."

The UK Black History Month was first launched in the 1980s in which major city?

The UK Black History Month was first launched in the 1980s in London.

What was the theme for Black History Month in the US in 2017?

The ASALH theme for Black History Month 2017 was "The Crisis in Black Education."