Celebrated in February, Black History Month honors African Americans’ essential achievements and contributions in United States history.

In 1915, Carter G. Woodson, “the father of Black history,” founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) to address a lack of information regarding Black history and help with its research and promotion. In 1926, Woodson went on to start Negro History Week during the second week of February to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. 

Negro History Week gained momentum in schools and communities across America over the following decades. President Gerald Ford made Black History Month official in 1976 when he urged citizens to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Although Carter G. Woodson passed away in 1950, his legacy lives on. Today, ASNLH is known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Each year, ASALH chooses a different theme for Black History Month, with 2024’s being “African Americans and the Arts.” 

Lezama Consulting USA reflects on the important role that African Americans have played in our country. We are proud that a lot of our work is helping our clients communicate effectively with our diverse communities.