African American history IS American history

Amanda Wheeler
February 1, 2002
Filed under Archives

No matter your race, gender, or class, black history is your history if you live in this country.Carter G. Woodson, often called the “father of black history,” understood this idea. In 1926, Woodson worked to establish a weeklong celebration of the contributions of African Americans in the development of this country, contributions long-neglected by traditional studies of U.S. history.

Originally called Negro History Week and occurring during the second week of February, this celebration was extended in 1976 to encompass the whole month, becoming Black History Month.

Created to give focus and emphasize the history of Africans and African Americans in this country, this month gives voice to the events and people that have come to shape all our lives.

As we struggle to truly understand the history of America, Black History Month provides us all with important opportunities for education and inspiration, as well as calling each of us to critical self-evaluation as members of an oppressive culture, as is the case with the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.