African American History Month was first proposed by black educators and students of the Black United Students Organization at Kent State University in February, 1969. Originally named Black History Month, the first actual celebration took place at Kent State the following year. It lasted from January 2 to February 28, 1970.

Six years later, Black History Month was being celebrated all across the country in educational institutions, centers of Black culture, and community gathering centers.

President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. He urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of U. S. history”.

Today Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, is an annual observance in Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Ireland celebrate it during October.

This month, The Long and Short Stories of Life will celebrate the achievements of African-Americans beginning with the early abolitionists and continuing through the 20^th century entertainers, writers, and politicians who influenced today’s creative geniuses. I hope you can join me and leave a comment or two. I promise you won’t be bored.

References and Kuumba House image from Wikipedia