National African American History Month in February celebrates African Americans' contributions to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our Nation's history.
National African American History Month originated in 1915 when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This organization is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History ("ASALH"). Through this organization, Dr. Woodson initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926. Dr. Woodson selected the week in February that included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in the history of African Americans.
Legislative Branch Documents
To provide for the designation of February 1986 as "National Black (Afro-American) History Month," Public Law No. 99-244, 100 Stat. 6 (Feb. 11, 1986).
Commemorating Black History Month and contributions of African-American United States Senators, S. Res. 229, 142 Cong. Rec. 3528 (Feb. 28, 1996).
Resolution Celebrating Black History Month, S. Res. 380, 152 Cong. Rec. S1447 (Feb. 16, 2006).
Whereas during Black History Month, it is essential that we not forget that African-Americans are not the only survivors of the transatlantic slave trade, H. Con. Res. 175 (November 16, 2006).
Additional Congressional resolutions celebrating Black History Month from 2007 to the present can be found on Congress.gov.
Executive Branch Documents
Presidential Proclamations and Executive Orders have been used by presidents to rule on substantive issues of law, to administrate the executive branch of government, and to make general announcements to the public. These general announcements exhort the public to observe a holiday such as Thanksgiving or honor a particular group of citizens, as National African American History Month is usually issued as a Presidential Proclamation. On many occasions, Congress will pass a law explicitly requesting the President to take a specific action, such as proclaiming the recognition of a particular group of citizens, such as Jewish or Hispanic Americans.
