Black History Month is an annual celebration highlighting African Americans' achievements and their significant role in shaping U.S. history. It originated as "Negro History Week" in 1926, established by Carter G. Woodson to foster discussions about the Black experience, encompassing heritage and culture beyond just inequality. Woodson chose February for its significance, coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both advocates for the abolition of slavery.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month, acknowledging the contributions of Black innovators and the civil rights movement. Today, countries like Canada and the United Kingdom also celebrate their own months dedicated to commemorating Black history. Woodson emphasized the importance of providing a theme for each celebration to keep the public engaged, with the 2024 theme being "African Americans and the Arts," highlighting their influence in various cultural expressions.

Black History Month serves as a time to honor the enduring legacy of African Americans, from activists and civil rights pioneers like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks, to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture, and beyond. It is a moment to recognize their contributions to U.S. history and society as a whole.