Dr. Carter G. Woodson known as the “Father of Black History,” holds an outstanding position in early 20th century American history.
Dr. Woodson founded The Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1915 and organized a national Negro History week (precursor to Black History Month). His message was that Blacks should be proud of their heritage and that other Americans should also understand it.
This event inspired schools, city governments and other institutions across the country to hold their own celebrations over the course of the next four decades. Black History Month became an official annual observance in 1976, following the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
He was also the second Black person to earn a doctorate from Harvard University.
February was chosen as the month to celebrate because of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays, both the second week of February.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History, theme for 2021 is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.
Canada also celebrates Black History Month in February, and the U.K., the Netherlands and Ireland celebrate in October.
For reference: History.com and asalh.org