February 1995: Canadian government recognizes Black History Month

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
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: Canada recognizes and celebrates Black History Month, following the initiative of the Honourable Jean Augustine, Canada’s first black Member of Parliament.