Black History Month highlights the lasting contributions of black men and women in society. We dedicate an entire month of February to recognize the meaningful impact that individuals of African descent have made to enrich American culture, expand democracy, strengthen families, and make a better society for all.
Black History Month came onto the American culture scene on what was initially called, “Negro History Week,” which was held during the second week of February (7–14) in 1926. It was designed by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a native of Virginia and the son of formerly enslaved parents who went on to earn a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University. The date for Negro History Week was chosen to encompass the birthdays of two great men - United States president Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Fredrick Douglas. Both had long been honored in the African American community as pivotal to black freedom.
To celebrate the life-changing contributions made by those of African descent, Read for My School has updated our reading lists within our app to highlight some incredible stories that we recommend to read aloud together. These wonderful books provides a window into why it is so important to know, remember, and celebrate Black History Month.
