Celebrating Black History Month

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

It was September 1915. Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History). The organization is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Black Americans.

In February 1926, the organization celebrated National Negro History Week during the second week of the month. This historic week caused a ripple effect across the nation. Schools began celebrating, communities began organizing, and clubs began forming, all in the name of celebrating Black Americans. Communities nationwide celebrated Negro history week for decades.

Then, in the 1960s, college campuses moved to celebrate Negro history week for the entire month of February.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford encouraged the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” This statement moved the nation to officially recognize February as Black History Month.

SHARING MENTORING STORIES

Throughout February, BBBS will celebrate BBBS’ Black staff and board members by sharing their mentoring stories.

Celebrate with us! Follow along on our social media, including our newly launched TikTok. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. We can’t wait to share their stories with you!