Every year in the month of February, African Americans and other ethnic groups celebrates what is known as Black History Month.  Previous years in the past, this celebration was also known as African-American History Month.  Commemorating the Black Heritage takes place in the United States and in Canada the entire month of February.  The United Kingdom celebrates the annual observance in the month of October. 

This annual celebration is for the remembrance of individuals and events in the history of the African heritage.  The celebration came about after 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week”.  This week was chosen because it was the week of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas birthdays, men who were very instrumental in making their mark in history regarding the Negro, Black, or African-American race.

Mr. Woodson contended that the teaching of black history was essential to ensure the physical and intellectual survival of the black race.  He stated, “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.”

It was in 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial, the informal expansion of Negro History Week to Black History Month was officially recognized by the U. S. government when President Gerald Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout history.”

After learning why we celebrate Black History Month, we should appreciate our heritage even more and not let the celebration get lost in the trend rising up titled, “Diversity Month”.