Black History Month | World news | The Guardian (2024)

FAQs

What is the 2024 Black History Month theme? ›

The 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the creativity, resilience and innovation from a culture that has uplifted spirits and soothed souls in countless ways across centuries.

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

The recognition of Black history is not just limited to the US. Canada also observes Black History Month in February, and the United Kingdom and Ireland celebrate Black History Month in October.

Why is Black History Month in February? February was chosen by Woodson for the week-long observance as it coincides with the birthdates of both former US President Abraham Lincoln and social reformer Frederick Douglass. Both men played a significant role in helping to end slavery.

The theme, “African Americans and Labor,” intends to encourage broad reflections on intersections between Black people's work and their workplaces in all their iterations and key moments, themes, and events in Black history and culture across time and space and throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora.

Woodson chose February for reasons of tradition and reform. It is commonly said that Woodson selected February to encompass the birthdays of two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping black history, namely Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays are the 12th and the 14th, respectively.

GAZETTE: Carter G. Woodson is known as the father of Black history.

Carter G. Woodson was a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people led to the establishment of Black History Month, marked every February since 1976.

On the African continent, however, it is a different story. Only a handful of events are held in commemoration of Black History Month, mainly at U.S. Embassies or study centers at higher learning institutions in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya, all of which are predominantly English-speaking.

The four colours that are used for Black History Month are black, red, yellow and green. Black represents resilience, red denotes blood, yellow is optimism and justice, and green symbolises rich greenery.

Why is October a Black History Month? ›

Firstly, October is when African chiefs and leaders gather to settle their differences so this month was chosen to reconnect with black peoples' roots on the continent. It was also first held in 1987, as it was the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation.

On this day February 22nd in 1989, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince won the first rap Grammy for their single “Parents Just Don't Understand.” “Parents Just Don't Understand” is the second single from DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's second studio album, He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper.

February was chosen primarily because the second week of the month coincides with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

On February 10, 1976, President Gerald R. Ford issued a message recognizing Black History Month, becoming the first President to do so. The moment was decades in the making. In 1926 historian, author, and activist Dr.

William Tucker was the first person of African ancestry born in the 13 British Colonies. His birth symbolized the beginnings of a distinct African American identity along the eastern coast of what would eventually become the United States.

The theme for 2024 is "African Americans and the Arts." From the ASALH website, "African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Black History Month 2024 celebrates the rich tapestry of African American contributions and struggles throughout history. This year's theme, African Americans and the Arts, pays homage to the deep-seated heritage while empowering future generations to soar.

On March 1, 2024, CMS kicked off Women's History Month 2024. This year's theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” In a continuous effort to ensure a positive future for all, CMS acknowledges bias and discrimination must be eliminated from our lives and our institutions.

Celebrate Black History Month with Smithsonian events, resources, exhibitions, and podcasts. The 2024 theme is "African Americans and the Arts" spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more.