Black History Month Resources

February is Black History Month

Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month, which is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in U.S. history. Black History Month grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent Black people.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) determines the theme each year for Black History Month. They explain, "Work is at the very center of much of Black history and culture. Be it the traditional agricultural labor of enslaved Africans that fed Low Country colonies, debates among Black educators on the importance of vocational training, self-help strategies and entrepreneurship in Black communities, or organized labor’s role in fighting both economic and social injustice, Black people’s work has been transformational throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora. The 2025 Black History Month theme sets out to highlight and celebrate the potent impact of this work."

In schools and classrooms, Black History Month is an excellent time to explore the Black experience—including the history, culture and achievements of Black people, the injustice faced by them and how that injustice has been and continues to be confronted and overcome. As with other similarly themed months, it is important not to isolate Black history and culture into one month during the year. Black history is U.S. history and should be integrated into the curriculum throughout the school year.