Why do we celebrate Black History Month, and why is it during the shortest month of the year?
Carter G. Woodson, the second African-American to earn a Ph.D. at Harvard University, is known as the “Father of Black History.” He founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915 in recognition of the paucity of information on the accomplishments of African-Americans. In 1926, he started the celebration of Negro History Week during the second week of February, which coincided with the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month during the nation’s bicentennial when he urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

We encourage you to talk about, learn, and explore African American history and culture on your own during Black History Month and beyond, and engage with these rich local resources:

1. Visit the Northwest African American Museum’s YouTube channel for an interactive story time followed by a virtual field trip to a Black-owned business on Sunday, February 13th, 1 pm. 
2. Join ParentMap's free discussion with anti-bias expert and social justice leader Dr. Scotland Nash on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 1 pm.
3. Learn about the Afro-Latinx cultural experience with these resources.
4. Check out a virtual theater experience celebrating the stories of Jews of Color. “True Colors” will be streamed from the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Sunday, February 6th, 4 – 5 pm.
5. Books celebrating African American heritage, traditions and achievements are available at KCLS