From the doctor who performed the first open heart surgery, to the man who invented the golf tee, Black People have made significant contributions. They have triumphed despite frustrations, indignities and limitations imposed by society. And yet, their victories have too often been overlooked.
Black History Month is a time to recognize unsung Black Heroes. Share their stories with your children. Celebrate!
CARTER G. WOODSON, (1875-1950), FOUNDER OF BLACK HISTORY WEEK
As a school teacher in Washington, D.C., Woodson was dismayed that his students knew so little about the contributions African Americans have made to the country. In an attempt to remedy this situation, he began writing and publishing the Journal of Negro History in 1916.
In 1926, Woodson created Negro History Week, in order to further acknowledge the accomplishments of African Americans. It was an annual celebration of African American achievements.
In 1976, Negro History Week was extended to last the entire month of February and the name was changed to Black History Month.
In the United Kingdom, Black History Month was first celebrated in October 1987. It was organised through the leadership of Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who had served as a coordinator of special projects for the Greater London Council (GLC) and created a collaboration to get it underway.
Woodson, now known as the Father of Black History, said his goal was "to inspire us to greater achievements." He believed that, "the Negro must contribute something to the good of his race, something to the good of his country and something to the honor and glory of God."