Throughout the history of what is now the United States, Black people have been subject to enslavement, many forms of  racism, segregation, and widespread misinformation campaigns. Celebrating Black History Month is a vital annual reminder of the wounds inflicted on Black Americans in the past and present. While acknowledging the pervasiveness of systemic racism, violence, and discrimination, we celebrate the courage and resilience of Black Americans who endured–and continue to endure–these forces. Black History Month is a chance to recognize those who inspire, educate, and enlighten us all. 

It is also an opportunity to better understand the centrality of Black Americans in our shared national narrative by learning more about the cultural achievements, social movements, and scientific advancements that they have contributed to society.  Reflecting upon these stories is an opportunity to learn, reaffirm, and celebrate cultural and family identities while recommitting to improvements.  

Origins of Black History Month

Black History Month began as Black History Week in 1915 by founder, American historian and author, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson established what’s now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, viewing it as an opportunity for Black people in America to learn about their past. He also hoped it would inspire and empower individuals of any race to push for much-needed change.

Dr. Woodson’s success with this endeavor led to the establishment of a nationally recognized week acknowledging Black history in America. It was observed between the birthdates of President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and diplomat Fredrick Douglass, two men who fought for Black people’s freedom and rights in America.

Black History Week became a federal holiday when President Gerald Ford declared it so in 1975. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History immediately marked February as a month-long commemoration of Black history the following year. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan made Black History Week into Black History Month through Presidential Proclamation 5443. Ten years later, in 1996, President Bill Clinton started the annual tradition of all presidents issuing a proclamation to acknowledge the event.

Black Women’s History Month

Representation has the power to shape people’s self-image and research has shown that it has psychological and emotional well-being impact. For a white person in America, representation is everywhere at every level, whether that be mainstream media or C-suite business leadership, but this isn’t true for Black people and other racial minorities. The outdated discriminatory beliefs that actively held Black people back in society persist making it incredibly hard for most—especially Black women—to reach positions of power and influence. In part as an effort to redress this balance, April has been named Black Women’s History Month in honor of Black women’s achievements. As activism and equal opportunities policies begin to affect change, Black women’s voices are being amplified more, and their talents and achievements are starting to be recognized. 

Celebrating and highlighting Black achievements is a stark change from how Black people have been represented in America throughout most of history. For Black children, initiatives such as Black History Month and Women’s Black History Month offer chances to discover role models and feel a sense of joy and pride in their community. These initiatives are just as important for other communities, who can benefit from seeing Black people represented as they choose to be—not how others convey them. 

Black History  Facts

Here are some little-known facts about Black history we encourage you  to explore when celebrating Black History Month. You will see how Black people were integral to every period of the history of the United States. 

Early achievements (1770-1870)

• The first school for Black children was started in 1770 by abolitionist Quaker, Anthony Benezet. It was known both as the African Free School and Raspberry Street School after its location in Philadelphia.
• The first book of poetry authored by a person of African descent was published in 1773. Entitled Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, it was written by Phyllis Wheatley, an enslaved woman.
• John Chavis, a Presbyterian minister, is the first Black person to attend an American college or university in the 1790’s.
• The first Black public high school opened in 1870. Known as Dunbar High School, it still stands in Washington D.C. as an all-inclusive high school.

Post-Reconstruction (1870-1940s)

• George Washington Carver is often credited with inventing peanut butter. He actually created 300 different products used in food processing today. Those inventions range from food dyes to nut flours, cheeses, makeup products, coffee, soap, flooring products, and wood stains. 
• Hiram Revels, the first U.S. Black senator, was elected from Mississippi in 1870. It would take until 1968 for Shireely Chisholm, the first African American woman, to be elected to Congress. 
• John Taylor was the first African American Olympic Gold Medalist in 1908. It wasn’t until 1948 that Alice Coachman would become the first African American woman to bring home a gold medal.
• Jack Johnson was the reigning World Heavyweight Champion from 1908 to 1915. He was the first African American to win and defend the title. 
• The Harlem Renaissance (1920-30’s) launched the careers of several African American authors, including Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, Alain Locke, and Mary McLeod Bethune. They pioneered new movements in literature, art, anthropology, and other artistic and scholarly endeavors.

World War II and beyond (1940s-present)

• More than one million Black men served in the US armed forces during World War II. 
• Rosa Parks was the seasoned civil rights activist who sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 by refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. For two decades prior, her lifework was challenging racial injustice—especially cases of sexual assault against Black women. Through the community activism of thousands of people, primarily Black women, Montgomery’s public transportation was integrated in December 1956. Rosa Parks wasn’t the only Black woman to protest by refusing to give up her bus seat. Several Black youths also refused to move their seats for white bus passengers. 
• Malcolm X (el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz) helped connect movements against colonialism and white supremacy across North America, Africa, and the Middle East. His thought was instrumental to other decolonizing movements in Asia and Oceania.
• Thurgood Marshall made history as the first African American to be appointed to the Supreme Court. He served from 1967 until 1991.
• Marsha P. Johnson, self-described as a gay person, member of the Trans community and drag queen, helped lead the revolutionary Stonewall Rebellion in 1969, which pushed forward the gay rights movement in the United States.

Black History Month Worldwide Celebrations

Black History Month is celebrated differently across the world, but most nations pay homage to the accomplishments of Black people throughout the world.

U.S. Celebrations

In the United States, many schools, libraries, and other public and private institutions dedicate lessons, book displays, speaker series, concerts, and other activities to promote meaningful conversation about Black history in the United States. 

Canada’s Celebrations

Canada also celebrates Black History Month in February, having adopted the motion into law in 2008 when Senator Donald Oliver became the country’s first Black senator. Every year a theme is selected for that year’s celebrations.  Past themes have encouraged storytelling, so people ask their families about stories of triumph against great odds, progress in the fight for equality, and sacrifices that made progress possible. 

U.K. Celebrations

In the United Kingdom, Black History Month is celebrated in October, and their focus is on African history, the history of slavery, celebrating Black people in Britain, and promoting inclusivity. While Black History Month isn’t widely celebrated throughout Europe, it is still annually acknowledged in Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

Celebrating Black History through Family History Research

Before we can understand and prepare for what lies ahead of us, we need to know where we’ve come from. Researching your heritage allows you to see how your ancestors helped create the world we live in today. You can also learn valuable lessons from your ancestors’ accomplishments, struggles, traditions, and lineage. 

The history of enslavement and racism presents many challenges for Black family history researchers. This will be especially true for relatives who lived before the 1870 US Federal Census, which was the first census to list African Americans as individuals and not as chattel. However, even after 1870 researchers often encounter a lack of traditional and accessible documentation. Taking advantage of the tools and genealogical assistance offered through Ancestry® can help. Genealogists can offer alternative ways to look for clues about the lives of your ancestors to help you  continue to build your family tree. 

When researching your Black ancestors, use census records, employment records, property sales, and other public information to learn where they may have lived, had children, and moved to due to historical events at the time.  Because of the displacement and enslavement of many Black Ancestors, you might encounter gaps in your family tree. Here is where AncestryDNA® can help.  If there are gaps in your family tree, you can use AncestryDNA® to help determine your family’s roots by analyzing your genetics. 

Once you begin to follow your family history, you could be surprised at all the stories you read and the valuable lessons you learn about your history and the way it’s connected to the world today. 

You might find that you’re related to historical figures that played a role in the civil rights movement or learn more about your ancestors and the struggles they overcame. Get started with a free trial with Ancestry®.