Every February, we as a nation celebrate Black History Month. Of course, the celebrations are permeated by the likes of great civil rights leaders and pioneers such as the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parkers or Thurgood Marshall. But many do not know why or how Black History Month started; that’s what I opted to shed a light on to help understand the man who erected the month-long celebration we know of today.
Black History Month originally started as National Negro Achievement Week, and it was inspired by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. In terms of the original incarnation, this celebration was inspired by Dr. Woodson’s efforts to recognize and honor the achievements of Black individuals. At the 1920 Nashville Grand Conclave, Dr. Woodson, along with his colleagues, envisioned a week dedicated to highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans.
This initiative aimed to counter the prevailing narrative that marginalized – or outright ignored – the achievements of Black people in American history. Over time, this week-long celebration evolved into what we now know as Black History Month. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month, urging Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Dr. Woodson’s dedication to ensuring that the stories and legacies of Black individuals were not overlooked or marginalized laid the foundation for Black History Month. By commemorating the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans, this month-long observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing quest for equality, justice, and recognition for all individuals, regardless of race or background.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s tireless efforts to highlight the historic contributions of Black people culminated in the establishment of Black History Month, a tradition celebrated every February since 1976. His journey began with this stark realization: the historical profession, dominated by white voices, was largely indifferent to Black history. Despite being a dues-paying member, Woodson was barred from attending American Historical Association conferences, signaling the systemic biases present in the field.
Driven by a deep-seated belief that African American contributions were consistently overlooked, ignored, and even suppressed in mainstream historical narratives and textbooks, Woodson embarked on a mission to rectify this injustice. His commitment to shining a light on Black history was unwavering, as evidenced by him becoming a member of Omega Psi Phi Incorporated, a historic Black fraternity established at Howard University in 1911, whose motto, “Friendship is Essential to the Soul,” resonated deeply with his values.
Dr. Woodson’s legacy continues to inspire individuals like Perry Miller, widely known as Master P, and Calvin Broadus Jr., famously known as Snoop Dogg, who have risen to prominence as rap moguls and philanthropists. Both Master P and Snoop Dogg have not only amassed considerable wealth but have also made significant contributions to their communities, embodying the spirit of empowerment and upliftment that Dr. Woodson championed.
However, even as Black excellence flourishes in various fields, challenges persist. A recent lawsuit filed by Snoop Dogg and Master P against retail giant Walmart and Post Consumer Foods highlights ongoing struggles for recognition and fair treatment. The lawsuit alleges that Walmart and Post Consumer Foods intentionally neglected the distribution of Snoop and Master P’s cereal brand, hiding it away in stockrooms to prevent its sale to customers. This alleged suppression of their product echoes the historical patterns of marginalization that Dr. Woodson fought against.
The connection between Dr. Woodson’s legacy and the present-day fight for recognition is palpable. Attorney Benjamin Crump, a prominent figure in the Black community known for his unwavering advocacy and legal representation of marginalized individuals, including Trayvon Martin’s family and his work in Ferguson, has taken up the case. Like Dr. Woodson, Crump is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Incorporated, continuing the tradition of advocating for justice and equity.
In the face of adversity, Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s spirit lives on, inspiring a new generation of leaders to challenge injustice and ensure that Black contributions are rightfully acknowledged and celebrated. As we reflect on his legacy during Black History Month and beyond, let us heed his call to confront systemic biases and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
Kacy Benefield is an accomplished historian who challenges not just what is being taught but those who are teaching it. Born in Los Angeles, California, a loving son, brother, husband and father who does not make the news but only reports the truth. Benefield is also the co-host of the show Better Benefield.
Very informative! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you I believe we all should know where it began. Thank you for your continued support.
Love how you tied history to hip hop icons. Great article D9 Love! ΖΦΒ💙
Thank you for always shedding light on the truth! Continued Blessings to you and the awesome work you do.
Black history is a legacy and we must carry the journey on to honor the ones that fight for our rights, so black peoples able to vote being able to be in public schools, Martin Luther King quoted he had a dream in his dream came true, justice made like Rosa park sat on the bus and now we don’t even have to divide sit are stand up..Black peoples are teachers ,doctors ,lawyer, judge Law enforcement, the world has changed. African black peoples are allowed to even have degrees in scholarships,We as human kind shall celebrate still fighting The armor of gait belt Jesus Christ and walk and claim what ours justice and peace love righteousness first.
Black history is a legacy and we must carry the journey on to honor the ones that fight for our rights, so black peoples able to vote being able to be in public schools, Martin Luther King quoted he had a dream in his dream came true, justice made like Rosa park sat on the bus and now we don’t even have to divide sit are stand up..Black peoples are teachers ,doctors ,lawyer, judge Law enforcement, the world has changed. African black peoples are allowed to even have degrees in scholarships,We as human kind shall celebrate still fighting The armor of gait belt Jesus Christ and walk and claim what ours justice and peace love righteousness first.
Well said, thank you for your sacrifices to dig these truths out for all of us. God bless you, your family, and all who read your work!
Thank you for your words of encouragement as well as the support. May you and your family be blessed.
Very informative! Keep this up please. People need to be educated on how things originated and came to be. Black people fought and worked hard so that we could have the life we have now.
Another great article. I love that every time I learn a fact or two ! Also many do not realize the depth of oppression that still does happen to black people in todays life and it continues to get overlooked.
Kacy, very informative article and research! I will continue to follow this article as it unfolds. Thanks for the information! May God continues to bless you in your endurance and your family! Love TT
Emerald Hanson
I thought this was a really good read. This piece was very informative and thought provoking. I appreciate the factual information presented.