In 1915, Carter Godwin Woodson--American historian, author, and journalist, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), which exists today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). This was borne out of the desire to disseminate information about black life, history, culture, and contributions made to the global community, and we are encouraged to celebrate all year round.
In 1926, Woodson and the ASNLH launched Negro History Week during the second week of February, inspired by the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass (2/12 and 2/14, respectively). In 1975, President Ford, urged Americans to observe Black History Week, and in 1976, the ASALH expanded from promoting Black History Week to Black History Month, and in that same year President Ford issued a Message on the Observance of Black History Month. In 1986, Congress passed public law 99-244, designating February 1986 as "National Black (Afro-American) History Month." Presidential proclamations were issued by Ronald Regan (1986) and Bill Clinton (1996), and have been issued by every president since.
For off-campus access, you will be required to login with your UH username and password.
Library Search
Discover Books, Articles, & More
Remember to sign in using your UH login if using library resources off-campus. Forgot username or password?