Let's talk about February. Every year, this month is big for African American heritage and education.

Think one whole month isn't enough? You might not be alone in thinking that. But it all started as a week-long event.

In 1926, a historian and author named Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week. He knew African Americans had contributed a lot to the nation's history, but their stories weren't being heard. He wanted to change all that.

Woodson had been an educator himself and he knew the true power of education. He believed that by teaching kids about their history, he could empower them. So he focused his efforts on schools.

It's important to note that this was not something the government started. It was something African Americans started. Cutting the tale short, the event was founded by the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASALH), an organization currently known As the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Woodson had founded it also.

Time went by and Negro History Week turned into Black History Month.

Imagine coming up with a holiday and then watching it become national. Presidents Ford and Obama both spoke about Black history month, but it happened because of Woodson and ASALH. Coming to a point where the president mentions it every year? That's a whole other level.

Woodson is long gone, but his legacy lives on. Every year, ASALH picks a theme for Black History Month.

Black History Month is huge in schools, museums, and communities all over the country. There are a lot of different ways people celebrate the month. It's all about learning, remembering, and honoring the legacies of African Americans.

But what's really the point of the month? Let's dive into it. Between taking off work and school for a holiday there is a lot more to it.

The idea of Black History Month was for kids to celebrate history all year. This includes everything from celebrating iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr. to everyday black heroes reading about black figures from all over the world. So the point is to celebrate Black history all the time, not just in February!

The month also highlights the achievements of African Americans and people of African descent. It raises awareness and appreciation for their contributions to society.

Something important but often overlooked about the month is that Black history isn't just for African Americans - it's for everyone. There's a tendency to separate history by race, and it can be easy to get stuck in a narrow perspective. However, Black History Month is about celebrating everyone's shared past.

There are people who claim that the month doesn't portray the real history, and that it should be more than just one month. Sounds familiar?

Well, Some folks say that Black History Month started out as a 'Black People History Month, ' but it's really for everyone. It's more than a month; it's a mindset and a commitment to understanding the broader story of our shared history.

So what's next for Black History Month?

The celebration of Black history month doesn't hinge on any presidential recognition. It is rooted deeply in community and history. ASALH is the organization that makes Black History Month run smoothly.

As schools and communities across the nation start gearing up for the 2025 festivities, they can explore less talked about aspects of Black History.

When the time came for 2025, everyone was on their toes. While some institutions shifted away from hosting actual events, grassroots efforts kept the spirit of ASALH strong.

Celebrate Black History Month All Year

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