Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognising their central role in history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of ‘Negro History Week’, the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. President has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Ireland, Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black History.
It’s also a means of placing focus on the lived experiences of black people in our own country, and to make new efforts to combat racism in our communities.
In America, this month has just ended but we’re preparing you Ireland’s Black History Month in October. During Anti racism Month, let’s think of ways we can make the coming event in acknowledgment of people here in Ireland. Read more about the history of black lives here:
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month
Carter G Woodson, founder of Black History Month [image Getty Images]