February is Black History Month in the Canada and the US. It is the one month of the year when we celebrate and commemorate the contributions to our nations by people of African descent.The first recognition of contributions of these individuals in the US took place on February 12, 1926, the birthday of former President Abraham Lincoln. Thereafter, the second week of February was set aside to recognize these contributions.
When the US celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, the celebration was expanded to one month. February was chosen because it was the birth month of both Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
President Bill Clinton proclaimed February as National African American History Month in 2000.
Canada has celebrated Black History Month since the 1950s, when it was established by the Canadian Negro Women's Association in Toronto. However, it wasn't officially recognized until 1978.
African Canadians have been contributing to Canadian society since 1605. The government of Canada chose February to recognize the achievements, contributions and successes of African Canadians.
Please join me throughout the month of February in celebrating Black History Month. Throughout the month I will be posting articles on noted figures in Black History to promote awareness of the contributions that those of African descent have made to the nations of Canada and the US.
If you would like to read my article, The Eagles of Squamish, please follow this link to my Treasures to Me blog.
