Black History Month is traditionally celebrated in February, not October. It originated in the United States and Canada. The celebration in October, known as Black History Month in the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands, among other places, has its roots in different historical contexts.
- United States and Canada (February): Black History Month was initially established in the United States as a weeklong celebration by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. It was later expanded to a month-long observance in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This month was chosen to honor the significant contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history.
- United Kingdom, Canada, and Other Countries (October): In the United Kingdom and Canada, Black History Month is celebrated in October. In the UK, it was first established in the 1980s by Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, aiming to highlight the contributions of African and Caribbean communities to the nation’s history and culture. This month was selected to coincide with the beginning of the academic year and to avoid clashing with other significant events.
The decision to celebrate Black History Month in different months across various countries is often tied to different historical and cultural contexts within those nations. However, the primary goal remains consistent: to acknowledge, celebrate, and educate about the contributions, struggles, and achievements of Black communities and individuals.
