Every February, schools, businesses, and communities across the United States turn their attention to the achievements and history of Black Americans. You might see banners in libraries, special programming on television, or dedicated lessons in classrooms. It is a time of recognition, reflection, and celebration.
However, the origins of Black History Month go much deeper than a simple calendar designation. It began as a bold response to the systematic exclusion of Black narratives from mainstream history books. It was a strategic effort to ensure that the contributions of Black people were not just a footnote, but a central part of the American story.
Understanding the history of this observance helps us appreciate its true purpose. It is not just about acknowledging the past; it is about correcting the record and inspiring future generations. In this post, we will explore how a single week of education evolved into a global movement, the specific themes that guide the celebration today, and how different countries honor this vital history.
The Visionary: Carter G. Woodson
The story of Black History Month begins with Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Born in 1875 to parents who had been enslaved, Woodson worked in coal mines and sharecropped before earning his high school diploma in his twenties. He eventually went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University, becoming only the second Black American to do so (after W.E.B. Du Bois).
Woodson noticed a glaring omission in his studies. The history books largely ignored the Black experience or, worse, misrepresented it. He understood that history was not just a collection of dates and facts, but a tool for identity and empowerment. He famously argued that if a race has no history, it stands in danger of being exterminated.
To combat this, Woodson founded the Association the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, (or ASALH) in 1915. His goal was to promote the serious study of Black history and preserve the records of Black achievements that were being lost or destroyed.
From History Week to a National Observance
In 1926, the goal was not to limit Black history to one week, but to designate a specific time for public schools to coordinate their focus on the topic.
Woodson chose the second week of February for a specific reason. It coincided with the birthdays of two men who were deeply significant to the Black community at the time:
- Abraham Lincoln (February 12): The president who issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Frederick Douglass (February 14): The famed abolitionist and orator.
Black communities had celebrated these birthdays for decades. By placing Black History Week during this time, Woodson tapped into an existing tradition but expanded its scope. He wanted the focus to shift from just two men to the broader contributions of the entire race.
The Expansion to a Full Month
For fifty years, Black History Week grew in popularity. By the late 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement had raised awareness of Black identity and the need for educational reform. College students on campuses across the country began demanding more inclusive curricula and started celebrating Black History Month independently.
In 1976, during the United States Bicentennial, the shift became official. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, urging Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, every U.S. president has designated February as Black History Month.
Black History Month Around the World
While the observance began in the United States, the need to recognize Black history is global. Other nations have adopted the celebration, though the timing and origins differ.
Canada
Canada also celebrates Black History Month in February. The history of Black Canadians stretches back to the early 1600s with the arrival of Mathieu Da Costa, a navigator and interpreter.
Despite this long history, official recognition took time. In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month following a motion introduced by the Honorable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament. In 2008, the Senate completed Canada’s parliamentary position on the month, thanks to a motion by Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Black History Month is celebrated in October rather than February. It was first organized in 1987 by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who worked for the Greater London Council.
The choice of October was intentional. It connects to African cultural roots, specifically the autumn equinox and the harvest period—a time of plenty and community gathering in many African cultures. Practically, it also marks the beginning of the academic year in the UK. This timing allows schools to engage children with Black history right as their minds are fresh for learning, instilling a sense of pride and identity early in the school term.
The 2026 Theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations
Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) designates a theme for Black History Month to guide reflection, education, and public engagement. The 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” marks the 100th anniversary of the first Black History Week, established in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson.
This theme looks back on a century of organized efforts to study, preserve, and celebrate Black history in the United States and beyond. It highlights how Black History Month evolved from a single week of observance into a nationally and globally recognized commemoration that shapes education, scholarship, and public understanding of Black life and contributions.
The 2026 theme also invites reflection on why these commemorations have been necessary—addressing the historical exclusion of Black history from mainstream narratives—and how they have helped affirm Black identity, resilience, and cultural legacy across generations.
By focusing on a century of remembrance, the theme encourages both institutions and individuals to consider how Black history has been taught, whose stories have been amplified, and how future commemorations can continue to deepen understanding, accuracy, and inclusion.
How to meaningful participate
Observing Black History Month is about more than watching a documentary or posting a quote on social media. It is an opportunity for active engagement and learning.
Educate yourself on the theme
Take time to read about the history of Black labor in your region. Understand the contributions Black workers have made to your specific industry. The ASALH website offers resources and executive summaries that provide deep context for the annual theme.
Support Black institutions
Museums, cultural centers, businesses, and historical societies often rely on donations and visitors to keep their archives open. Visiting institutions like the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C., or local Black history museums supports their mission to preserve this history.
Look locally
Black history is happening in every town and city. Research the local history of Black communities in your area. Who were the early pioneers? What businesses did they start? Supporting local Black-owned businesses today is a direct way to contribute to the economic continuity of these communities.
Honoring the Past to Build the Future
Carter G. Woodson created Black History Week with the hope that, eventually, a special designation would not be necessary—that Black history would be seamlessly integrated into American history. While we have made progress, the need to intentionally shine a light on these stories remains.
Black History Month serves as an annual reminder of the resilience, creativity, and labor of Black people. It challenges us to look beyond the famous figures we already know and uncover the countless other stories that have shaped our world. By understanding the past more fully, we are better equipped to build a more inclusive and truthful future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Black History Month in February?
Black History Month is celebrated in February to honor the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln, who issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and Frederick Douglass, a prominent abolitionist and advocate for civil rights, both of which fall in this month. February was chosen by historian Carter G. Woodson.
What is the 2026 theme for Black History Month?
The official theme for Black History Month 2026 is “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” which honors the 100-year legacy of Black history observances since the first Black History Week and highlights how these commemorations have shaped the understanding and teaching of Black history and culture.
How is Black History Month celebrated globally?
While Black History Month is primarily observed in the United States, similar celebrations occur in other countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom. These observances include educational programs, cultural events, exhibitions, and discussions aimed at exploring the contributions and heritage of African-descended communities in their respective nations.
What is the importance of Black History Month?
Black History Month is a time to reflect on and honor the achievements and sacrifices of African Americans throughout history. It fosters a deeper understanding of past injustices and how they shape the present, while also inspiring ongoing work towards equality, inclusion, and social justice.