February Means Black History Month

Every year, there are several popular occurrences that take place during the month of February. Some that come to mind include The Grammys, The Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Weekend and more. 

With everything that takes place, the longest-standing event of the month is Black History Month. 

For over 400 years, African American people have made significant contributions towards uplifting the state and well-being of this nation. 

In honor of the beloved season, here are some highlights from the last 100 years of the journey.

1926 – Negro History Week is established

Historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson launches Negro History Week, laying the foundation for what would become Black History Month.

1948 – Military desegregation

President Harry S. Truman signs Executive Order 9981, officially ending segregation in the U.S. armed forces.

1954 – Brown v. Board of Education

The U.S. Supreme Court rules that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional, overturning “separate but equal.”

1955–1956 – Montgomery Bus Boycott

Sparked by Rosa Parks, the year-long boycott led to the desegregation of public buses and elevated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a national leader.

1964 – Civil Rights Act

Landmark legislation outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

1965 – Voting Rights Act

Federal protections are established to prevent racial discrimination in voting, dramatically expanding Black political participation.

1968 – Shirley Chisholm elected to Congress

Chisholm becomes the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

1976 – Black History Month is officially recognized

During the U.S. Bicentennial, Black History Month was formally acknowledged at the national level.

2008 – Barack Obama elected president

Barack Obama became the first Black president of the United States, marking a historic milestone in American politics.

2021 – Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday
Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., is officially recognized as a national holiday.

Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a reminder that the history of Black Americans is inseparable from the history of the United States.