The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity
Quote to be placed on intro graphic:
“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.” ―Carter G. Woodson
Why was Black History Month created?
Carter G. Woodson, known as the Father of Negro History, set for himself the goal of providing a scientific and historical account of people of African ancestry. Born to former slaves, he educated himself as a youth and went on to earn a Ph.D. Woodson was one of the first scholars to study the history of the African diaspora, including African-American History.
The first national Negro History Week was celebrated in February 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. As interest and advocacy for expanding the study of African American history developed, a desire to expand beyond just one week also grew. In 1970, students at Kent State University celebrated Black History Month from January to February of that year, and since 1976, each President of the United States has endorsed commemorating February as Black History Month across the country. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history.
