The WVU Center for Black Culture and Research.
Initially created with the intent of only lasting one week, Black History Month began in 1926 as âNegro History Week.â
The celebratory week was created by Carter G. Woodson, a well-known African American historian, educator, publisher and scholar. The reason for this celebration is to honor all of the African Americans who contributed to the history of the United States. In 1976, the week became a month-long celebration to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
âOur purpose, our mission is to make sure that there is clarity and awareness around where we are regarding the African American experience,â said Majorie Fuller, the director of WVUâs Center for Black Culture and Research. âAnd promoting and understanding that the African American experience is the American experience and it affects all of us.â