Black History Month Facts

Black history month commemorates the significant events and achievements of the African-American population of the United States. This tradition marked its beginning officially from 1976. It is celebrated in the month of February in the United States of America. It celebrates all the historic events from 1915, wherein the thirteenth amendment of the American constitution abolished slavery in the US.

Who Started Black History Month?
It was Dr Carter Woodson who started the 'Negro History Week' to focus people's attention and bring to their notice the role and contribution of African-Americans in the American history. Dr Woodson was an African-American who completed his PhD from Harvard. He found the need to become the voice of African-Americans who were wrongly represented and treated in early times. He founded the 'Association for the Study of Negro Life and History' in 1915, which is now known as Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History.

Why is February Black History Month?
It was around 1926, that Dr Woodson initiated the celebration in February. He chose this month, as February is marked by the birthdays of two great personalities of American history who had a very big influence on changing the social standing and condition of African-Americans. These two personalities were former president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Fredrick Douglass. Apart from the United States, this month is celebrated in Canada in the month of February and in the UK its celebrated in the month of October.

Facts for Kids
You can site examples of famous African-Americans who made a contribution to the world in a way that can be understood by kids. Here are a few people that kids can relate to.

• George Washington Carver (1860-1943) - He was the guy who gave the world, the kids favorite peanut butter. So it's all because of George Washington Carver, kids today enjoy their peanut butter sandwiches so much.
• Madame C.J. Walker (1867-1919) - Was the first African-American to come with hair care invention and went on to become the first self made female millionaire of North America
• Harriet Tubman (1820-1913) - She earned the name Moses, as she helped hundreds of slaves escape to the northern U.S and Canada.
• Mary Ann Shad (1823-1893) - She was the first female black lawyer and also the first female newspaper editor of the U.S. She was also the first woman to open a school in Canada that was open to all the races.
• Robert Johnson (1911-1938) - He was the famous guitarist who inspired various other artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and B.B. King.
• Jesse Owens (1913-2005) - He was the first American to have won 4 gold medals in one Olympics. He was subjected to racism all through his college life but he still stood strong and made the record of the gold medals in Berlin Olympics of 1936.
• Rosa Parks (1913-2005) - She is one of the most famous women in American history. She was the woman who stood for her rights and refused to give up a seat on the bus to a white man which sparked off the civil rights movement. Rosa Parks went to jail for her refusal but ultimately came out a winner in the case against the state.
• Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) - He was the first black player to play in Major League Baseball. Even though he had to face the wrath of people, Jackie Robinson emerged winner when he was awarded rookie of the year in his second season
• Sidney Poitier (1924) - He was the first African-American to win an Academy Award for the Best Actor in 1963.
• Martin Luther King Junior (1929-1968) - One of the most influential personalities who rigidly practiced the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Martin Luther King Jr. led anti-violence demonstrations against racial discrimination, one of which was to Washington.

These are the few African-Americans who made a difference by being the first in their field and paved a way for others to follow suit. Sometimes getting kids to learn these important things needs some planning of fun activities.

Black History Month Celebration Ideas for Schools
A lot of fun activities planned with keeping in mind the theme, a lot can be done for kids to understand the importance of this celebration. Here are a few activities that you can plan for students in school.

• Teach the kids about African history, their tradition such as food, dance, and other traditions. Kids can be asked to perform different activities such as dances, plays and prepare easy food. While doing this they can also learn the importance of this culture and it's influence on human race.
• You could give them a list of inventions whose inventors have been African-American. You can ask the students to read more about the inventor along with his inventions and present it to the class.
• Planning certain craft activities that hints towards living as one big global family irrespective of color, race, nationality.

For 2011
Every year during february, various events are planned and organized. Similarly, this year events such as concerts, exhibitions for charity are organized all over the United States of America and Canada. Every year this month is given a theme. In 2010 it was 'The history Black Economic Empowerment'. For 2011, the theme is, African-Americans and the civil war.

These were some facts for you. It is a wonderful way to commemorate the contribution made by great personalities. Brush up your history and celebrate this month with all the enthusiasm.