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How Black History Month became a national celebration of Black Americans' accomplishments
How Black History Month became a national celebration of Black Americans' accomplishments
Yoonji HanJan 28, 2023, 20:01 IST
Black History Month recognizes the achievements of Black Americans to US history, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Carter G. Woodson.Bettmann/Getty Images; Don Cravens/Getty Images; Public Domain
Black History Month originally started off as a week-long celebration in 1926.
It grew out of frustration by a lack of awareness of Black Americans' accomplishments throughout history.
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Who started Black History Month?
American historian, author, and journalist Carter Godwin Woodson, whose work led to the celebration of Negro History Week.Science Source/Photo Researchers History/Getty Images
Why is Black History Month in February?
Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln are widely seen as symbols of freedom of Black Americans.Library Of Congress/Getty Images; Hulton/Archive/Getty Images
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When did Black History Month become a national observance?
President Ronald Reagan delivers remarks at a White House Ceremony marking the observance of National Black History Month in 1984.Mark Reinstein/Corbis via Getty Images
Why are there themes for each Black History Month?
Martin Luther King delivering a speech on September 10, 1963.Santi Visalli/Getty images
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What do the Black History Month colors stand for?
Black History Month flags.Kevin Sullivan/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images