February

From the National Archives EEO Special Observances Page

African American History Month

Authority: Executive Order 11478

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson instituted the first week-long celebration to raise awareness of African Americans' contributions to history. 50 years later, the week became a month, and today February is celebrated as African American History Month. The month of February was chosen because it celebrates the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both of whom dramatically affected the lives of African Americans. Frederick Douglass (1817-1895) was a writer, lecturer, editor, and civil rights activist who escaped slavery at age 21 and went on to campaign for the abolition of slavery, establish a newspaper, and hold the office of Minister to Haiti. He was a major voice in the anti-slavery/civil rights movement of his time. Abraham Lincoln (born February 12, 1809), as the sixteenth president of the United States, issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, thereby declaring that all slaves within the Confederacy would be permanently free. Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH) founded by Dr. Woodson, sets the theme for the month.

From the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH): “When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926, he realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of the public.”

In their affirmation that teaching about Black lives is necessary throughout the year, the Center for Racial Justice in Education offers this provocation: “Today, we still see the absence of Black history and experience in our textbooks, required readings, STEM, and overall curriculum of our educational system. As we enter February, Border Crossers is providing resources to be used beyond the scope of this one(-)month. Unless Black history is taught throughout the year, it perpetuates an “othering” of Black Lives and Black students, and is also a manifestation of anti-blackness. Ensuring the ongoing integration of Black history and experiences throughout all curriculum is imperative as educators continue to uplift every student and reinforce that Black Lives Matter every day.”