1926: The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week“. This week was chosen because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and of Frederick Douglass on February 14, Black communities had celebrated both dates together since the late 19th century.
1970: Black History Week becomes Black History Month in the U.S.
1976: Black History Month officially recognized by the U.S. government
1987: In the United Kingdom Black History Month is now celebrated in October
1995: In December 1995, the House of Commons in Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month
2008: 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.” It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008.
Image: Joanna Nix-Walkup, Unsplash
