In 1926, Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland created the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) to combat how black people were underrepresented in the books and conversations that shaped the study of American history. In 1926, they launched “Negro History Week.”

Woodson chose the second week in February, as it encompassed both Frederick Douglass’ birthday on February 14 and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12.

Decades later, the Civil Rights Movement, along with Freedom Schools, made it clear that a week was not enough time to study Black culture and literature. In 1976, President Gerald Ford decreed Black History Month a national observance.

In 2022, with all that we know about white supremacy, it’s time to expand this month into a year. Today, we are kicking off our Black History Year Campaign. We will no longer accept the shortest and coldest month as our time to uplift Black ancestors. We will continue to celebrate Latina Heritage Month, Women’s Month, and other months. However, there is too much Black History to limit for 28 days. Let’s show that Black Lives Matter by learning Black History all year long!