Black History Month

• Black History Month was started by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 to recognize the contributions of African Americans in US history.
• Woodson, an historian, scholar, educator, and publisher, chose the second week of February due to the birthdays of Frederick Douglass (an abolitionist) and Abraham Lincoln (who led the US during the Civil War).
• The week-long event became a month-long celebration in 1976, with the goal of honoring the accomplishments of black Americans in every area.
• Black History Month is celebrated in the US and other countries like Canada, UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, with events like museum exhibits, movie screenings, and encouraging the study of African American history all year long.
• Notable figures often remembered during Black History Month include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (civil rights leader), Mae Jemison (first female African-American astronaut), Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, and many others.

Test your knowledge about the history, significance, and notable figures of Black History Month, a celebration honoring the contributions of African Americans in US history. Learn about the origins of the event, its transformation into a month-long observance, and the key personalities associated with the civil rights movement and other fields.