One hundred years ago, in 1926, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson established the first Negro History Week. Woodson chose a date that encompassed the birthdays of two individuals who were incredibly significant to Black History — former US President Abraham Lincoln and the renowned abolitionist, orator, and intellectual Frederick Douglass. This observation on the calendar was intended to ensure that Black history would be studied, celebrated, and passed on—especially to Black children. His vision made space for public recognition of Black contributions to civilization and the continued assertion of Black humanity.
Woodson dedicated his life to ensuring the dissemination of research and writing that documented the full experience of Black people worldwide. This started with his founding of the Association for the Study of Negro (now African American) Life and History, an organization that celebrated its 110th anniversary last September, to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate knowledge about Black life, history, and culture worldwide.
Woodson’s vision for Negro History Week was realized through the groundwork laid by Black religious, civic, and fraternal organizations. Omega Phi Phi Fraternity, of which Woodson was a member, took the lead in disseminating educational material and holding Black history programs in communities across the nation. Negro History Week also became an important occasion in segregated schools and Black churches, which used the week to foreground stories of Black people of exceptional accomplishment.
Fifty years ago, in 1976, during the bicentennial celebration of the United States, the US Congress designated the entire month of February as “Black History Month.” This legislation represented a significant expansion of Dr. Woodson’s vision for Black history education, not just for Black people but for all.
Each year, Black History Month continues to offer an opportunity for collective reflection and education. The experiences of Black people have so much to teach the world about the creative spirit of survival in the face of incredible odds.
As we prepare for the observances of the 250th anniversary of the United States this July, it is important that, in the spirit of Dr. Woodson, they we tell the whole truth of the American experiment with democracy and the critical role that Black Americans have played in pushing this nation and its leaders to become the “more perfect Union” referenced in the preamble of the US Constitution. While the liberty promised to Americans in 1776 didn’t become a possibility for most Black Americans until 1865 (and would not become fully tangible for another century), it is impossible to tell the complete story of the United States without acknowledging the persistent efforts of generations of Black Americans to call the nation to the true fulfillment of its democracy promise. These histories are as important, if not more, than they were a century ago.
Tameka Bradley Hobbs, Ph.D., is the founding and current president of ASALH South Florida and the regional manager for the African American Research Library and Cultural Center.
