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Did you know Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-trained historian, believed the truth could not be denied and that reason would prevail over prejudice. He desired to raise awareness of African-American’s contributions to society. This was realized when he envisioned and founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) and announced Negro History Week in 1925.

The Association celebrated Negro History Week in February 1926 around the birthdays of former President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass. It was overwhelmingly welcomed by teachers, progressives, and more.

By 1950, Negro History Week increased in appreciation and mayors of cities across the nation began issuing proclamations noting Negro History Week.

By the 1960s, the awareness of African-American contributions expanded and the importance of black history gained momentum with the Civil Rights Movement. 

In 1976, former President Gerald R. Ford pressed upon Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Fifty years later, African-American History Month started.