After founding the Journal, Woodson decided to go further and start “Negro History Week” in 1926. He timed this for the second week in February, to coincide with the birthdays of both Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, this grew into the Black History Month we now recognize every year.

Why is Black History Month in February? The commemoration of important Black Americans and events happens largely during the shortest month of the year.

Mwatabu Okantah was at Kent State when Black History Month was first celebrated. He reflects on the groundwork laid and why it still matters.