African American History Month

To recall and celebrate the positive contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, a noted African American author and scholar, Carter G. Woodson , established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on February 12, 1926.

In February 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, Black History Week changed to Black History Month, which is also African American History Month .

Additional Resources:

• Presidential Proclamation - National African American History Month 2010
• Barack Obama - First Black President of the United States
• Celebrate African American Heritage in America's National Parks
• U.S. Census Bureau - Black History Month February 2011
• National African American History Month
• A Library of Congress Resource Guide for the Study of Black History and Culture
• Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum
• Smithsonian's African American History and Culture
• U.S. Department of Education - African Americans
• The Library of Congress - African American History: 17 Collections
• Statistics on African Americans in the U.S.
• USA.gov's Culture and Ethnic Groups
• African-American Music Appreciation Month