The History of Black History Month

The History of Black History Month

Black History Month gives us the opportunity to spotlight the activism and history-making of our Black LGBTQ+ community members, past and present. Queer black people have always been present, but not often celebrated in the past. Racism, ignorance, and phobias, even from within our community, have led to the ignoring of important people from our history. From contributions to Stonewall to current representation in Hollywood, queer Black people have a voice.  Art, politics, medicine, drag, you name it, there have been pioneers. This month we will be celebrating members of the Black community who have added a benchmark to the queer community. We wanted to take a moment and talk about the history of Black History Month.

Black History Month originated from Negro History Week in 1926. Initiated by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, it was meant to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Churches and newspapers were crucial in getting the word out, and it was supported by educational departments in North Carolina, Delaware, West Virginia, Baltimore, New York City, and Philadelphia.

Woodson was quoted during the launch of Negro History Week: "If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated."

Even today the fight goes on to keep US slavery in the history books, part of what's called the South's "lost cause" myth that slaves had been well treated and better off than being free started to run rampant in the 1930s. As sentiments like that started to run rampant, Negro History Week grew in popularity throughout the following decades, with mayors across the United States endorsing it as a holiday.

It wasn't until 1970 that the first Black History Month took place, at the proposal of staff and students at Kent University. It took six years for the idea to take form, being recognized by educational systems and centers of Black culture. Gerald Ford gave the month official recognition for the United States Bicentennial, urging Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

In addition to the US, Black History Month is now celebrated in Canada, the UK, Germany, Ireland, France, and Africa.

Even with the recognition of Black History Month, there is clearly still more to appreciate. Actor Morgan Freeman said it clearly, "I don't want a Black History Month. Black history is American history."

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