Carter Woodson designated a week to Black history and culture in 1926 in the second week of February that eventually grew into a whole month by the 1960s. In 1976, President Gerald Ford made Black History Month official. February was chosen as the month because it is the birthday month of both Abraham Lincoln, the great emancipator, and Frederick Douglass, a former slave and prominent leader in the abolitionist movement. The goal of Black History Month is to have African American history to be celebrated yet not seen as different from other American history.

The theme for Black History Month 2022 is Black Health and Wellness to acknowledge the legacy of Black scholars and medical professionals of all jobs, especially in a time of COVID-19 where Black people are disproportionately affected. This theme focuses on not only physical well-being, but also mental health and all hospitals, podcasts and books that were created by Black people to help the well-being of their communities.

Organizations across the country are holding events for Black History month both in person and virtually. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is offering a virtual Black History Month festival for the entirety of February of which there are costs for admission. The Smithsonian is also offering virtual education events for free.

Another way to celebrate Black History month is to support Black-owned businesses. If you do not know any Black-owned businesses, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has a list of businesses on their website who received grants throughout recent years in an effort to expand economic opportunity. Two programs you can specifically donate to in order to support African American education are Historically Black Colleges or the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Over the past few years, African Americans have risen up in the music and film industries, so ways to celebrate Black History Month have become even easier. on mainstream media.

All of these can be done on your own no matter where you are, but there are also events across the nation including in the Boston area. On Feb. 1, the city of Brockton and the African American Association of Brockton had the African American flag raising ceremony. Similar events are being carried out around Boston including festivals and concerts throughout the month. One activity you can do on your own anytime throughout February is the 1.6 mile Black Heritage Trail that links over 15 historical sites and more homes, schools and businesses of the Black community.

Black History Month can be celebrated in all sorts of ways on a national or local level. Educate yourself on past Black history to learn about people like Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King as well as to learn about current African Americans making history. Although Black History Month is the designated month for African American celebration, most of these activities can be all done year round.