In 2026 Black History Month marks a powerful milestone, 100 years since its original founding as Negro History Week. What began as a small but intentional effort to recognize the contributions of Black Americans has grown into a nationwide and global celebration of history and culture.

Black History Month was founded in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. At the time, Woodson believed that Black history was being ignored or misrepresented in textbooks and in classrooms. He created Negro History Week to make sure that the achievements and struggles of Black Americans were formally acknowledged.

The week was scheduled in February to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two figures who were closely connected to the fight against slavery. In 1976 during the United States Bicentennial, the celebration expanded into Black History Month and was officially recognized by the federal government.

Over the past century, Black History Month has evolved from a week of school lessons into a nationwide cultural observance. Schools, museums, and communities highlight influential figures such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Thurgood Marshall. But beyond honoring famous leaders, the month also shines a light on artists, scientists, athletes, educators, and everyday individuals who shaped American history.

For students today, Black History Month is more than a chapter in a textbook. It serves as a reminder that history includes voices that were once silenced and stories that were once left out. The 100-year anniversary highlights how far the nation has come in recognizing those contributions and how important it is to continue learning beyond just one month.

Black History Month’s centennial stands as a testament to resilience, progress, and the power of recognition, reminding us that history is not just about the past, but about the legacy we choose to carry forward.