- Who created Black History Month?
A. Gerald Ford
B. Carter G. Woodson
C. Hiram Bingham
D. Mary McLeod Bethune
2. When did this celebration of Black history first originate?
A. 1912
B. 1896
C. 1926
D. 1952
3. What is this year’s theme for Black History Month?
A. A Century of Black History Commemorations
B. African Americans and the Arts
C. Black Women in American Culture and History
D. Black Resistance
4. Why is Black History Month celebrated in February?
A. Because it is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday month
B. Because it is the shortest month
C. Because it is Frederick Douglass’ birthday
D. A and C
Answer Key:
- Historian Carter G. Woodson was considered the father of Black history. From him originated Black History Month (originally Black History Week) and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. With his Harvard PhD, he actively fought for most of his life against the lack of education on Black History in schools.
- Black History Month was created 100 years ago in February 1926.This year marks the century-old celebration of Black history!
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The answer is: A Century of Black History Commemorations! Every year, Black History Month is accompanied with a theme. To honor 100 years of this celebration, we are invited to reflect on the historical events that have taken place for the Black community in the past century and how we can continue to grow through the next century.
Contrary to popular conspiracies on the recognition’s placement in the short month of February, Black History Month was strategically placed to align with Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays (Feb. 12 and Feb. 14) as they are important figures to the Black community. With Abraham Lincoln as the author of the Emancipation Proclamation and Frederick Douglass known as the great abolitionist, both had an extremely important role in the abolition of slavery.
