Celebrate Black History Month

A month of recognition.

February 1st marks the beginning of Black History Month, when our nation turns its focus and appreciation on the long list of African Americans who have contributed to the progress of our country. Here are some facts about the annual observance that you may not have known.

According to America.gov: "Each February, Black History Month honors the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens over the most devastating obstacles — slavery, prejudice, poverty - as well as their contributions to the nation's cultural and political life."

The annual observance was first called "Negro History Week" when it was first established by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. He chose the second week in February because it included two birthdays of men who were instrumental in the advancement of the freedoms of black people: Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass.

Since its inception, Black History Month has been a chance to observe and learn about all the people and events in the history of the African diaspora. Each year a different topic in Black History is the focus for the length of the observance. In the past, those have ranged from the study of African American scientists to important cities in black history and to examinations of Supreme Court Decisions.

This year's theme is "The History of Black Economic Empowerment," which looks at the history of successful black men and women throughout history.