The History of Black History Month

The story of Black history month begins in 1915, half a century after the thirteenth amendment abolished slavery in the United States. That September, the Harvard-trained historian Jesse E. Moorland founded The Association of Negro Life and History that is dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other people of African descent. In the decades that followed, cities across the country began issuing yearly recognizing “Negro History Week” thanks in part by the Civil Rights movement and a growing awareness of black identity. “Negro History week” has evolved into Black history month around the country.