Black History Month: 5 Interesting Facts About the Annual Cultural Celebration
3. Designated a month-long celebration in 1976
The late Republican President Gerald Ford was the man who designated Black History Month as an official national observance, responding to the popularity found at the local government and academic levels.
Ford issued the declaration on Feb. 10, 1976, calling on the nation to "review with admiration the impressive contributions of black Americans to our national life and culture."
"The last quarter-century has finally witnessed significant strides in the full integration of black people into every area of national life," stated Ford.
"In celebrating Black History Month, we can take satisfaction from this recent progress in the realization of the ideals envisioned by our Founding Fathers. But, even more than this, we can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."
