(Official) Black History Month marks 45th anniversary - but the holiday started decades earlier
Black History Month performance by Alvin Ailey Dance Company at the Obama White House, 2/6/2016. NARA ID 138925622.
President Obama, VP Joe Biden, and others give Stevie Wonder a standing ovation at the White House Black History Month “Motown Sound” concert, 2/24/2011. NARA ID 176545766.
President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden react to a joke made by actor/comedian Jamie Foxx during the White House Black History Month “Motown Sound” concert, 2/24/2011. NARA ID 176545764.
Letter from President Gerald Ford establishing Black History Month. NARA ID 16637977.
Artwork by African American artist Charles Henry Alston, 1943, From the Office of War Information, Artworks and Mockups for Cartoons Promoting the War Effort, NARA ID 535622.
By Dena Lombardo, Intern, Office of Public and Media Communications, and Miriam Kleiman
This month marks 45 years since the official recognition of African American History Month by President Ford in 1976. Ford implored Americans to:
“seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. I urge my fellow citizens to join me in tribute to African American History Month and to the message of courage and perseverance it brings to all of us.”
But the holiday started decades earlier, thanks to historian, educator, and journalist Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the ASALH) in 1915, started The Journal of Negro History in 1916, and launched the celebration of "Negro History Week" in 1926. The week corresponds to the (Feb). birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
The National Archives holds millions African American history-related records, dating from the African Americans who served in the Revolutionary War to today.
Join us (virtually) for numerous Black History Month programs!
Follow the Rediscovering Black History blog to discover fascinating records relating to the Black Experience.
Related online resources:
The “Bending toward Justice” section of the “Records of Rights” online exhibit showcases the drive for civil rights for African Americans.
African American History web page highlighting National Archives’ resources.
African American History research at the National Archives.
