In 1926 historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the beginning of what would eventually become BLACK HISTORY MONTH. At the outset, its modest start was only one week. The second week of February was chosen as the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas fell then. Their roles in the ending of slavery in the US had long been celebrated by the African American community.
At first coordinated teachings of the history of American blacks was emphasized in the nation's schools but only the city school administrations of Baltimore and Washington, DC and the state education departments of NC, DE and WV supported the initiative.
Woodson compared and contrasted the historical treatments of Native Americans to Hebrews and concluded that because the American Indian left no continuous record it held a negligible factor in the thought of the world and was in danger of extinction WHEREAS the Hebrews held a great factor in the eyes of civilization despite worldwide persecution.
Negro History Week gained in popularity, gave rise to black history groups and aroused interest among educators and progressive whites. In 1969 Black United Students at Kent University proposed the first celebration of a Black History Month which began the following year. Within six years month long festivities were celebrated across the country.
President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month during the US Bicentennial and hosted Medal of Freedom winner Jesse Owens at the White House. Successive presidents have followed.
Canada, Germany and the UK hold similar celebrations. Black Canadian porters brought the custom to Canada in 1950 and unofficial observances were held. In 1979 the city of Toronto made it official and in 1995 the Canadian Parliament recognized the tradition.
In 1987 the UK began celebrations but made October the official month due to the importance of the equinox and harvest to traditional African cultures. In 1990 Germany began official celebrations.