The people and moments that influenced the university and nation Celebrated throughout February, Black History Month honors the achievements of Black Americans and recognizes their central role in U.S. history. How and when Black History Month originated is a lesson with ties to Michigan.
Also known as African American History Month, the event dates back to February 1926 when Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans designated the second week of February (to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass) as Negro History Week.
Fifty years later, former U.S. President and Michigan congressman Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month as a month-long opportunity to formally honor the accomplishments of Black Americans “in every area of endeavor throughout history.”