Today marks the start of Black History Month. It's the month where African-American history is celebrated in daily life and around the world. Although, many cleebrate Black History Month, few actually know how it came to be.
Black History Month has been recognzied by Americans since 1926. It was first known as "Negro History Week" and later became known as Black History Month. It was thanks to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, also referred to "the father of Black History, who we have to thank for this celebration. Woodson, upset with the lack of history of the black American in books, decided to write them into the nation's history. He also founded the Assocation for the Study of Negro Life and History, which it's main goal was to research and promote acievements of all those from African descent. Woodson also helped establish the Journal of Negro History, which was the association's publication.
It wasn't until 1926, that Woodson established "Negro History Week". This week was established to bring national awareness to african american's history and acheivements. Woodson chose this week in February due to the birthdays of two influential men in black history, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford decided to make "Negro History Week" into "Black History Month". It is since President Ford did this that every President decides a theme each year for the month of Febuary. The theme for last year was the history of black economic empowerment. It recognized the achievements of Jacob Lawrence, Annie Malone, and the National Urban League.
This years theme is African Americans and the Civil War. Ball State had orginally scheduled it's Black History Month event, "The Willie Lynch Project: Love & Relationships", for tomorrow night. But due to the weather, the event has been rescheduled to Wednesday Febuary 6th at 6pm. The event will take place in Cardinal Hall B.
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