Feb. 1st is the First Day of Black History Month: Black History Month is an annual celebration in February that honors the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history.

Black History Month is an annual observance, in February, of the past achievements and current status of black Americans. It coincides with the birthdays of the great black leader Frederick Douglass (February 14th) and of Abraham Lincoln (February 12th).

The idea for an observance honoring the accomplishments of black Americans led to the establishment of
Negro History Week in 1926. It was proposed by Carter G. Woodson, a black historian known as the Father of Black History, and others. The observance became known as Black History Week during the early 1970’s and was established as Black History Month in 1976.

The celebration is sponsored by the Association for which Woodson founded in 1915. Each year,
the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH), designates a theme for the observance. Special attention has also been paid to the growth of black studies courses at high schools and colleges in most parts of the country.

The ASALH produces Black History Month Study Kits to help schools, colleges, ASALH branches, and other
organizations celebrate the observance. The ASALH also provides information about Black History Month
through its publications.