Black History Month is 100

This February marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Black History Month, created in 1926 by Harvard-trained historian and educator Carter G. Woodson to promote fair representation of Black history and accomplishments.

By the 1960s and the Civil Rights Movement, “Negro History Week” had expanded to a full Black History Month on many college campuses; federal recognition came in 1976, when President Gerald Ford urged all American to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

This year, celebrants honor a century of Black accomplishments and contributions, combined with Black Liberation Month activities, which highlight more than history and promote justice and economic empowerment.

The Umoja Center for Pan-American Student Excellence at Cal Poly Humboldt (humboldt.edu/umoja) and Black Humboldt (blackhumboldt.com/ black-liberation-month) plan events throughout the community. This year especially is a time to come together.