Black History Month is a powerful celebration of the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout United States history. The theme of the Black History Month 2025 is: "African Americans and Labor". This concept works towards exploring the intersection of work and the collective experiences of Black individuals throughout history. The contributions of African Americans in the workforce have been profound and far-reaching from skilled laborers to unskilled workers. This theme encourages discussions about the historical context of labor and the ongoing struggles for equity and fair treatment in the workplace.
Communities across the nation are set to come together to celebrate Black History Month through various events, including lectures, art exhibitions, film screenings, and performances. Ensuring that the stories of African Americans are woven into the fabric of American education, schools will incorporate lessons highlighting the rich tapestry of Black history.
The Black History Month annual observance takes place every February and it invites communities to reflect on the important role that African Americans have played in shaping the nation. Historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915 and that was when the roots of Black History month commenced. The organization aimed to promote the study and recognition of Black history and culture which laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a month-long celebration.
In 1926, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History established "Negro History Week," strategically selecting the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The celebration then inspired schools, communities, and organizations across the country to host events that displayed accomplishments of African Americans. The grassroots movement grew in popularity leading to the official designation of February as Black History Month by every U.S. president since 1976.
Black History Month serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans from the abolition of slavery to the civil rights movement and beyond. Influential figures such as Harriet Tubman, (who risked her life to lead enslaved people to freedom), and Martin Luther King Jr., (who advocated for nonviolent protest transformed the landscape of American civil rights) are celebrated during this period. Lesser-known figures who have brought a difference to society in various fields, including science, politics, arts, and culture are also named and honored.
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