Gas mask, fire extinguisher, lawn mower, peanut butter, traffic light, cell phone, air conditioner, pencil sharpener, stove, refrigerator and an ironing board. They all have one thing in common– African Americans invented them. Black History month highlights the achievements of African-Americans. These achievements have had an effect on everyone in America. It is not just a celebration just for African-Americans but a celebration of the human spirit.
A man named Carter G. Woodson created Black History Month. Woodson was the son former slaves who received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Chicago. In 1912, Woodson became only the second African-American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University.
Black History Month was first called “Negro History Week.” Woodson chose the second week in February because both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were born in the month of February. He viewed the two men as visionaries who influenced the lives of African-Americans. In 1976, the week was extended to one month to allow for more activities and programs.
Like the events that celebrate the Latino culture, Black History Months is about remembering the past by looking forward to the future.
Evan F. Moore is also a blogger for Chicago Now. He blogs at Fanning the Flames since 1978.
