The origins of Black History Month

Thurs., February 4 * 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT on Clubhouse

History Club is recognizing Black History Month throughout the month of February.

This week, we’ll ask: Why do we have a Black History Month? How did it originate? Is it still necessary?

Join us on Clubhouse Thursday night at 10 ET. We’ll do opening comments, followed by Q&A. (Add to calendar.)

Background:

• Black History Month began in 1926 as Negro History Week.

• It was conceived Carter G. Woodson, a historian and educator.

• Woodson was the second African American to receive a Ph.D. in history from Harvard (W.E.B. Dubois was the first).

• Negro History Week was changed to Black History Month in 1976 (America’s bicentennial).

Here’s the Washington Evening Star from February 1926 announcing the first week:

Washington Evening Star, February 4, 1926. Source: Library of Congress.

And here’s the The Monitor, a Black newspaper in Omaha Nebraska, supporting Negro History Week as an annual event:

The Monitor, March 5, 1926. Source: Library of Congress.

See you on Clubhouse, Thursday, February 4 at 10 PM ET.

P.S. - Want to suggest a topic, book or speaker for History Club? Go to history.club.