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Fast Facts About Black History Month That Will Help You Get Ahead



Black history month is here again, and it’s time to brush up on all that African American history. Every February, the world acknowledges the tremendous impact that African Americans have had over the years on our culture and society. Black history month celebrates black achievements and heritage to raise awareness about how vital these contributions are to our country’s history. To get acquainted with everything you need about Black History Month, read on for some interesting facts you probably didn’t know about this special observance.


Black History Month Was Created By An African-American

The first person to create a month-long celebration of African-American culture was a black woman named Mary McLeod Bethune. In 1926, Bethune founded the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. She saw a need to promote black culture but also believed it should be done with a sense of pride. She formed the organization to see African Americans gain more social respect and equality. Bethune’s work to create Black History Month came when it was relatively new to have an entire month dedicated to celebrating black culture. In February of 1892, Bethune and other women in the association began to lobby Congress to create a month-long celebration of black culture.


Black History Month Began In 1892

In February of 1892, black women in New England created the first National Negro Business Week. At this time, black culture was still relatively new to the United States, and many people did not know much about it. Black history was not well-documented, so this week was a way to promote the record, achievements, and culture of black people in America. During this period, it was common for some businesses to discriminate against black people. This week was a way to promote the cause of ending racial discrimination. Since 1892, the celebration of Black History Month has continued to grow and evolve. Several months of the year now celebrate black culture and heritage. The first Black History Month was established in February 1926.


The First Proclamation For Black History Month Was Issued In 1934

The first proclamation for Black History Month was issued in 1934 by President Franklin Roosevelt. Roosevelt was trying to promote knowledge and understanding of African Americans. He did not want people to think of them as subhuman, and he also wanted to encourage black contributions to society. Roosevelt called for the public to learn about black history and celebrate important achievements in his proclamation. The declaration itself was relatively short and straightforward. It read: “In celebration of the eightieth anniversary of the birth of Frederick Douglass, the nineteenth-century equivalent of the twentieth century’s civil rights leader, we honor his example by establishing a new holiday to be observed annually in February.” The proclamation was not only a celebration of black history, but it also showed respect for Douglass’s contributions to society. Black history month was initially meant to be a month-long celebration of black culture, but it has evolved in many ways. Today, it is more of a month-long look at black people's contributions to American history.


February Is Not The Only Time Of Year For Black History Month

February is not the only time of year that we celebrate Black History Month. The celebration is held in October, November, December, and sometimes even as early as March. Black history month is celebrated as early as February because it is then that the average person is more aware of black history than any other month of the year. Most people are more aware of black history in February because many colleges have exams that will use material from the history of black people. In the fall, many schools also have classes focusing on black history, so it is also a time when the topic can be explored further.


There Are Specific Events That Give Rise To Black History Months

The National African-American History Month (HBCU Week) - This week is celebrated in October. It honors black history from the 1800s to the 1960s and highlights the work that black colleges such as Howard University and Tuskegee Institute have done. The Frederick Douglass Quotations - These are statements made by Frederick Douglass that the government chose as the most important things he said. This month, the government selects these quotes, which are then read publicly.


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Black history month is an essential observance in our society. It celebrates the contributions of African Americans in all aspects of life, from politics and sports to music and art. It’s also important to note that the month is not just about African Americans but all Americans of African descent. This is a necessary time to learn about the rich culture of black people, and there are plenty of ways to do this. From reading books to watching document

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