February is 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. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of 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. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.

There are several web sites for residents to learn more about this important celebration and educational tools. Here is a collection of a number of sites to consider.

Black History Month Resources

National Endowment for the Humanities – African American History and Culture in the United States

National Park Service – Black History Month

Smithsonian Institution – National Museum of African American History and Culture

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Black History Month

Association for the Study of African American Life and History

Selected Resources for Teachers