Black History Month 2024 Celebrates 'African Americans and the Arts'

The annual celebration, initiated by Carter G. Woodson in 1926, continues to honor the contributions and struggles of African Americans.

Black History Month, a tradition nearly a century old, begins in February to commemorate the achievements of African Americans and reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
The celebration was created by Carter G. Woodson, known as the 'Father of Black History', who initially introduced 'Negro History Week' in 1926.
The month-long celebration was officially recognized in 1976, and since then, every American president has issued proclamations endorsing the theme set by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
The theme for Black History Month 2024 is 'African Americans and the Arts', focusing on the contributions of African-American figures in various artistic and cultural movements.
The month is marked by a variety of events, exhibits, and performances across the country, with institutions like the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture offering special programming.