Every February, people celebrate Black History month. People have celebrated Black History Month since 1926. It used to be known as Negro History Week which was created by Carter G. Woodson, an African American scholar, and the Association for the study of Negro Life, which he founded. It was only in 1976 that this became a month long celebration.

February was chosen because the birth dates of president Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass fell in the month of February.

Black History Month was created to educate people on African American History in a time when it didn’t matter to most people. The month of February is dedicated to recognizing African Americans and all that they have accomplished, from reformers, scientists, inventors and other notable people.

This is an important celebration for many people. It’s an empowering movement that inspires people to be great. It brings to light people that were once pushed into the shadows.

“I think it has a really positive impact on people,” Alise Maxie (12) said, “ I remember growing up and watching TV, like, I wouldn’t see people who look like me with the same skin tone, and so on Black History Month they’ll have the black specials. I’d just feel, like, included cause I could finally see myself represented.”

Black History Month uplifts the African American people and sheds a light on their culture and achievements.

First African American Lawyer-  John Mercer Langston

Hattie Mcdaniel- first African American to win an Oscar

Madam C.J. Walker- First self made Millionaire

Bessie Coleman- First woman of African American descent to hold a pilot license

Barack Obama- first African American president

Phillis Wheatley- First african American to publish a book of poetry

Guion Stewart Bluford Jr.- First African American in space

Ralph Joseph Bunche- First African American to win a nobel peace prize

Thomas Mundy Peterson- first African American to vote

Richard Theodore Greener- First African American to graduate from Harvard College