Black history month commemorates the significant events and achievements of the African-American population of the United States. This tradition marked its beginning officially from 1976. It is celebrated in the month of February in the United States of America. It celebrates all the historic events from 1915, wherein the thirteenth amendment of the American constitution abolished slavery in the US. Here are few black history month facts, which have made a huge difference to mankind today.
Who Started Black History Month?
It was Dr Carter Woodson who started the 'Negro History Week' to focus peoples attention and bring to their notice the role and contribution of African Americans in the American history. Dr Woodson was an African American who completed his PhD from Harvard. He found the need to become the voice of African Americans who were wrongly represented and treated in early times. He founded the 'Association for the Study of Negro Life and History' in 1915, which is now known as Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History.
Why is February Black History Month?
Considering the timeline of African American history, it was around 1926, that Dr Woodson initiated the celebration of the black history month in February. He chose this month, as February is marked by the birthdays of two great personalities of American history who had a very big influence on changing the social standing and condition of African Americans. These two personalities were former president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Fredrick Douglass. Do you know when is black history month celebrated in other parts of the world? Well, apart from the United States, black history month is celebrated in Canada in the month of February and in the UK its celebrated in the month of October.
Who Started Black History Month?
It was Dr Carter Woodson who started the 'Negro History Week' to focus peoples attention and bring to their notice the role and contribution of African Americans in the American history. Dr Woodson was an African American who completed his PhD from Harvard. He found the need to become the voice of African Americans who were wrongly represented and treated in early times. He founded the 'Association for the Study of Negro Life and History' in 1915, which is now known as Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History.
Why is February Black History Month?
Considering the timeline of African American history, it was around 1926, that Dr Woodson initiated the celebration of the black history month in February. He chose this month, as February is marked by the birthdays of two great personalities of American history who had a very big influence on changing the social standing and condition of African Americans. These two personalities were former president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Fredrick Douglass. Do you know when is black history month celebrated in other parts of the world? Well, apart from the United States, black history month is celebrated in Canada in the month of February and in the UK its celebrated in the month of October.
Here is the list of a little known facts of Black History Month:
1. Rapper Jay-Z allegedly developed his stage name as a reference to New York’s J/Z subway lines that have a stop in his Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, and neighborhood.
2. Martin Luther King, Jr. was stabbed by an African-American woman in 1958 while attending his book signing at Blumstein’s department store in Harlem. The next year, King and his wife visited India to study Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence.
3. As a child Muhammad Ali was refused an autograph by his idol, boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. When Ali became a prize-fighter, he vowed never to deny an autograph request, which he has honored to this day.
4. Ella Fitzgerald had a three-octave range — a range greater than most professional Opera singers.
5. Famed guitarist Jimi Hendrix was known by close friends and family members simply as “Buster.”
6. Louis Armstrong bought his first coronet at the age of seven with money he borrowed from his employers. He taught himself to play while in a home for juvenile delinquents.
7. Due to his acclaimed “Banana Boat” song, most people assume Harry Belafonte was born in the Caribbean; in fact, the internationally renowned entertainment icon and human rights activist was born in Harlem, New York.
8. Before becoming a professional musician, Chuck Berry studied to be a hairdresser.
9. Legendary singer James Brown performed in front of a televised audience in Boston the day after Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Brown is often given credit for preventing riots with the performance.
10. Female science fiction author Octavia Butler was dyslexic. Despite her disorder, she went on to win two Hugo awards and two Nebulas for her writing.
11. The “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, co-wrote the single “We Are the World” with Motown legend Lionel Richie. The single became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with nearly 20 million copies sold and millions of dollars donated to famine relief in Africa.
Some Black History Month Facts for Kids
- George Washington Carver (1860-1943) - He was the guy who gave the world, the kids favorite peanut butter. So it's all because of George Washington Carver, kids today enjoy their peanut butter sandwiches so much.
- Madame C.J. Walker (1867-1919) - Was the first African American to come with haircare invention and went on to become the first self made female millionaire of North America
- Harriet Tubman (1820-1913) - She earned the name Moses, as she helped hundreds of slaves escape to the northern U.S and Canada.
- Mary Ann Shad (1823-1893) - She was the first female black lawyer and also the first female newspaper editor of the U.S. She was also the first woman to open a school in Canada that was open to all the races.
- Robert Johnson (1911-1938) - He was the famous guitarist who inspired various other artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and B.B. King.
- Jesse Owens (1913-2005) - He was the first American to have won 4 gold medals in one Olympics. He was subjected to racism all through his college life but he still stood strong and made the record of the gold medals in Berlin Olympics of 1936.
- Rosa Parks (1913-2005) - She is one of the most famous women in American history. She was the woman who stood for her rights and refused to give up a seat on the bus to a white man which sparked off the civil rights movement. Rosa Parks went to jail for her refusal but ultimately came out a winner in the case against the state.
- Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) - He was the first black player to play in Major League Baseball. Even though he had to face the wrath of people, Jackie Robinson emerged winner when he was awarded rookie of the year in his second season
- Sidney Poitier (1924) - He was the first African American to win an Academy Award for the Best Actor in 1963.
- Martin Luther King Junior (1929-1968) - One of the most influential personalities who rigidly practiced the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Martin Luther King Jr led anti-violence demonstrations against racial discrimination, one of which was to Washington.
These are the few African Americans who made a difference by being the first in their field and paved a way for others to follow suit. Sometimes getting kids to learn these important things needs some planning of fun activities. Here are a few fun ways that will help children learn about black history month with some fun activities associated with it.
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