Amanda Gorman, the 22-year-old poet who stirred America at the inauguration of President Joseph Biden last month, again commanded the spotlight on one of the country's biggest stages, the Super Bowl.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans. It provides designated time to recognize African Americans’ central role in U.S. history.
Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson, also known as the Father of Black History, and other prominent African Americans.
Since Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history. Former President 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.”