January 2, 1970, The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State from January 2 to February 28 1970.
The precursor to Black History Month (Negro History week) was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in the second week of February. The idea of a Negro History Week was a pretty popular one, to celebrate Negro History Week parades, breakfasts, speeches, lectures, poetry readings, banquets and exhibits were held every year.
So in 1970, the Black United Students at Kent State University expanded this idea to include an entire month of February. Six years later, The government official recognized Black History Month when President Gerald Ford recognized it in 1976 during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. Gerald Ford urged Americans to: "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history".
To learn more enjoy my episode on Black History Month below:
