Harriet Tubman was a central figure in the Civil War and the fight to end slavery. Serving as an underground railroad conductor, she was also an abolitionist and union spy. Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland in the early 18 twenties and at the age of 13 was nearly killed by a blow to her head by an overseer in 18 49. She escaped when her enslave ER died, and she spent the next 10 years making 13 trips to Maryland to rescue her family, friends and others. During the Civil War, she served the United States Army as a spy scout, nurse and cook. And in early 18 62 Tubman traveled to South Carolina to provide nursing care for black soldiers and civilians. In 18 63 she joined Colonel James Montgomery and his second South Carolina infantry in an assault on several plantations. This raid rescue more than 700 enslaved people. In her later years, Tubman worked to promote the cause of women's suffrage and was a lifelong humanitarian and civil rights activist. Today there's a push to have her replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill
Here's why Black History Month is celebrated in February
It started as a week-long celebration.
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Updated: 6:15 AM EST Feb 1, 2024
During Black History Month, we recognize the contributions and legacy of Black Americans — from the inventors like Mary Van Brittan Brown, to pop-culture defining icons such as Janet Jackson. Whether it's by honoring trailblazing Black women, reading inspiring quotes from historic Black figures, or supporting Black-owned businesses, there are endless ways to celebrate far beyond February. So, why is this significant time observed during this month of the year? While the end goal of Black History Month is to eventually tell the stories of prominent Black Americans year-round, there are several reasons February calls on us to educate ourselves and others.It all started with "The Father of Black History"Historians and the public generally ignored Black history until the 20th century. Carter G. Woodson, also known as “The Father of Black History,” was one of the predominant scholars who encouraged Black Americans to write themselves back into history books. A famed historian, educator, and activist, his dedication is the reason we celebrate Black History Month today.Woodson, the son of former slaves and second African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard, noticed in his studies that textbooks often misrepresented or entirely left out Black Americans’ contributions. It prompted him to create what is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1916. The organization researched and promoted achievements by Black Americans, including looking at the African diaspora related to Black history in America.Through ASALH, Woodson created educational materials like journals, textbooks, speeches, pamphlets and more for every grade level from college to kindergarten. Ten years later in 1926, these resources helped Woodson start “Negro History Week.” According to Stanford historian Michael Hines, “Negro History Week was a direct challenge to traditional curricula of the time period, which often degraded and dehumanized Black people.”He hosted the first celebrations in the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of two men significant in helping end slavery — President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.How One Week Became a Month Celebrations grew and outstripped the bounds of a single week. Black teachers, mainly women, were instrumental in shaping the celebration through their work in the classroom. Communities like churches, sororities, fraternities and civic organizations advanced the movement by holding local celebrations, establishing history clubs, and hosting lectures.The growing pride and connection to cultural identity the Black community experienced during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement pushed the need for more opportunities to champion Black history nationwide.Students and educators at Kent State University were the first groups to expand the celebration through the month in 1970. Finally, in 1976, President Gerald Ford declared February as Black History Month. Twenty-six years after Woodson’s death, President Ford called on the country at the United States Bicentennial to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Congress officially recognized Black History Month in 1986, and every president since Ronald Reagan has issued a Black History Month proclamation.
During Black History Month, we recognize the contributions and legacy of Black Americans — from the inventors like Mary Van Brittan Brown, to pop-culture defining icons such as Janet Jackson.
Whether it's by honoring trailblazing Black women, reading inspiring quotes from historic Black figures, or supporting Black-owned businesses, there are endless ways to celebrate far beyond February. So, why is this significant time observed during this month of the year?
While the end goal of Black History Month is to eventually tell the stories of prominent Black Americans year-round, there are several reasons February calls on us to educate ourselves and others.
It all started with "The Father of Black History"
Historians and the public generally ignored Black history until the 20th century. Carter G. Woodson, also known as “The Father of Black History,” was one of the predominant scholars who encouraged Black Americans to write themselves back into history books. A famed historian, educator, and activist, his dedication is the reason we celebrate Black History Month today.
Woodson, the son of former slaves and second African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard, noticed in his studies that textbooks often misrepresented or entirely left out Black Americans’ contributions. It prompted him to create what is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1916. The organization researched and promoted achievements by Black Americans, including looking at the African diaspora related to Black history in America.
Through ASALH, Woodson created educational materials like journals, textbooks, speeches, pamphlets and more for every grade level from college to kindergarten. Ten years later in 1926, these resources helped Woodson start “Negro History Week.” According to Stanford historian Michael Hines, “Negro History Week was a direct challenge to traditional curricula of the time period, which often degraded and dehumanized Black people.”
He hosted the first celebrations in the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of two men significant in helping end slavery — President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
How One Week Became a Month
Celebrations grew and outstripped the bounds of a single week. Black teachers, mainly women, were instrumental in shaping the celebration through their work in the classroom. Communities like churches, sororities, fraternities and civic organizations advanced the movement by holding local celebrations, establishing history clubs, and hosting lectures.
The growing pride and connection to cultural identity the Black community experienced during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement pushed the need for more opportunities to champion Black history nationwide.
Students and educators at Kent State University were the first groups to expand the celebration through the month in 1970. Finally, in 1976, President Gerald Ford declared February as Black History Month. Twenty-six years after Woodson’s death, President Ford called on the country at the United States Bicentennial to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Congress officially recognized Black History Month in 1986, and every president since Ronald Reagan has issued a Black History Month proclamation.
