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Black History Month: 5 Interesting Facts About the Annual Cultural Celebration

By Michael Gryboski, Editor

1. Originally only a week long

African-American historian Carter G. Woodson, (1875-1950).
African-American historian Carter G. Woodson, (1875-1950). | (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

While many jokingly ask why Black History Month falls on the shortest month of the year, the fact is, originally the observance was far shorter than it is today.

The observance originated in 1926 as "Negro History Week," having been created by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History.

"From the beginning, Woodson was overwhelmed by the response to his call. Negro History Week appeared across the country in schools and before the public," noted the ASALH.

"Woodson and the association scrambled to meet the demand. They set a theme for the annual celebration, and provided study materials — pictures, lessons for teachers, plays for historical performances, and posters of important dates and people. Provisioned with a steady flow of knowledge, high schools in progressive communities formed Negro History Clubs."

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