Black History Month

Why Do We Celebrate Black History Month in February?

Every February, we take time to honor and reflect on the rich history, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans. But why February? And how did Black History Month begin?

The celebration traces back to Carter G. Woodson, a historian known as the Father of Black History. In 1926, Woodson established Negro History Week to highlight the achievements of African Americans, which were often ignored in history books. He chose the second week of February to honor two figures deeply connected to Blacks, Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Emancipation Proclamation, and Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved man who became a powerful abolitionist leader.

Over time, Negro History Week gained national recognition, and in 1976, during the U.S. Bicentennial, it officially expanded into Black History Month. Every president since has recognized it as a time to celebrate the legacy of African Americans and acknowledge their impact on our nation.

For the church, Black History Month is not just a time of remembrance but a call to reflect on the faith, perseverance, and strength that have carried Black people through trials and triumphs. It is a season to educate, inspire, and reaffirm that Black history is American history and, more importantly, a testament to the power of faith and determination.

Let us honor this month with gratitude, knowing that our history is not just in the past but alive in our present and future.