How Many Days Until Black History Month?
Black History Month 2026 begins on February 1st and continues through the entire month.
About Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. It began as "Negro History Week," created in 1926 by noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
The History of Black History Month
The Foundation
Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History), dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent.
Negro History Week
Woodson announced Negro History Week, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14).
Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement and growing awareness of Black identity led to Negro History Week evolving into Black History Month on many college campuses.
Official Recognition
President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the public to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."
Congress Recognizes Black History Month
Congress passed Public Law 99-244, which designated February as "National Black (Afro-American) History Month."
Global Recognition
Black History Month is now observed beyond the United States, with countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands recognizing it in some form.
Themes of Black History Month
Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) selects a theme for Black History Month. These themes reflect important aspects of African American history. Recent themes have included:
Celebrating African American contributions to visual arts, music, dance, film, literature, architecture, and other forms of cultural expression.
Exploring how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression through various forms including spirituals, literature, art, and political organizing.
Acknowledging Black scholars and medical practitioners and their contributions to healthcare, as well as initiatives to advance health equity.
Exploring the African American family's representation, identity, and diversity across time.
Marking the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment and the sesquicentennial of the Fifteenth Amendment, focusing on Black Americans' fight for voting rights.
Emphasizing the movement of African Americans to new destinations and social realities after the Civil War.
Influential Black Historical Figures
Throughout American history, numerous Black figures have made significant contributions despite facing systemic racism and discrimination. Here are just a few noteworthy individuals whose achievements we celebrate during Black History Month:
Harriet Tubman
(c. 1822-1913) Abolitionist who escaped slavery and helped approximately 70 people escape through the Underground Railroad.
W.E.B. Du Bois
(1868-1963) Sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and co-founder of the NAACP who fought for social justice.
Rosa Parks
(1913-2005) Civil rights activist known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Malcolm X
(1925-1965) Minister and human rights activist who was a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam and later in the civil rights movement.
Katherine Johnson
(1918-2020) NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of the first U.S. crewed spaceflights.
Maya Angelou
(1928-2014) Poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist known for her series of seven autobiographies.
Thurgood Marshall
(1908-1993) First African American Justice of the Supreme Court who previously won the Brown v. Board of Education case.
Barack Obama
(1961-present) The 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the office.
The Importance of Black History Month
Black History Month serves several crucial purposes in American society:
Education
It provides an opportunity to highlight achievements and contributions that are often overlooked in traditional educational curricula.
Representation
It ensures that the stories and accomplishments of Black Americans are represented in our collective understanding of history.
Empowerment
Knowledge of historical achievements can empower and inspire current and future generations.
Unity
Understanding the struggles and triumphs of all Americans helps build a more united and equitable society.
As Carter G. Woodson said, "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." Black History Month ensures that the rich traditions and profound contributions of African Americans are remembered, celebrated, and integrated into the broader American narrative.
How to Celebrate Black History Month
Read Books by Black Authors
Explore works by classic and contemporary Black authors like Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Watch Films and Documentaries
View documentaries like "13th," "I Am Not Your Negro," or films like "Selma," "Hidden Figures," and "Moonlight."
Visit Museums and Historical Sites
Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Civil Rights Museum, or local Black history exhibits.
Explore Black Music
Listen to jazz, blues, hip-hop, R&B, and other musical genres that have been shaped by Black artists.
Support Black-Owned Businesses
Make a conscious effort to patronize and promote Black-owned businesses in your community.
Attend Cultural Events
Participate in local Black History Month events like lectures, exhibitions, performances, and discussions.
Educational Activities
Organize or participate in educational activities that teach about Black history and culture.
Share on Social Media
Share facts, stories, and information about Black history on your social media platforms.
Educational Resources
Association for the Study of African American Life and History
The organization founded by Carter G. Woodson that continues to promote the study of Black history.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Smithsonian museum dedicated to documenting African American life, history, and culture.
African American History Month
A collaborative project of the Library of Congress and other cultural agencies providing resources for Black History Month.
BlackPast.org
An online reference center providing information on African American history and the history of people of African ancestry around the world.