Black History Month - also known as African American History Month - grew out of “Negro History Week,” established by historian Carter G. Woodson in partnership with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1926.
In 1976, President Ford officially recognized Black History Month calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Since then every President has recognized Black History Month and endorsed a theme. In 2024 theme is African Americans and the Arts.
Find out more about the history of Black History Month and this year's theme here.
