Since 1976, the United States has commemorated the accomplishments of African Americans during Black History Month in February.
The month-long event highlights these achievements and milestones in media and education.
Why then February? Was this portion of the calendar selected for a specific reason?
It was. Carter G. Woodson, a historian, coined the term "Negro History Week" in 1926 to describe Black History Month.
Woodson was troubled by the fact that most textbooks and other historical accounts downplayed or omitted the achievements of African-American people.
Woodson, in conjunction with his Organization for the Study of Black Life and History—later renamed the Association for the Study of African American Life
and History designated the second week of February to raise awareness of these stories.
Woodson selected this week because it encompassed the birthdays of Frederick Douglass (February 14) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12).
The resulting exposure prompted several mayors and college campuses to celebrate the week; the outpouring of support over the years has allowed the event to span the whole month.
“Seize the chance to recognise the too-often ignored contributions of Black Americans in every area of effort throughout our history,