February is Black History Month

This month is a time to remind ourselves of the many accomplishments and contributions made by African Americans and celebrate their history. Black History is American history that touches the life of every American and drives us to recommit ourselves to our shared fight for social and economic justice.

Originating in 1926 as “Negro History Week”, historian Carter G. Woodson chose February for this celebration because the second week of the month marks the birthdays of both President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass. The week of recognition and celebration was later extended to the entire month of February.

Countless African Americans have shaped and continue to shape the course of American history. Black History Month’s celebrations and remembrances embody values and narratives that are integral to our identity as Americans and New Yorkers.

For more information about Black History Month, visit New York’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture the History Channel's focus on Black History Month.