African American History month, or more commonly known as Black History Month, is an annual celebration which commemorates the achievements of African Americans and their contribution to the history of the United States. Black History Month used to be only a week.

A Harvard historian named Carter G. Woodson believed that “ truth could not be denied and that reason prevails over prejudice”. He wanted to raise awareness of the contribution that African Americans provided for not only the development of civilization but in history. So he started an organization called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History or ASNLH. This organization was created and announced during Negro History week in 1925. It was first celebrated in the year 1926 on February, this month was chosen because it was the same month in which Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, who were both large supporters for the freedom of slaves, were born.

When questioned about the importance of African American History month after reading the classic book To Kill a Mockingbird in pre AP English teacher Mrs. Emily Birch’s class she said “ Unfortunately, African Americans have had to deal with a lot of segregation and a month to commemorate their hard work and efforts that they have put to make this country a better place for their future descendants is not enough but it is at least something to appreciate the contributions socially, academically, and physically that African Americans have done for the improvement of our country”. Since 1976, every American President has made a theme for African American History Month last years theme was “ African Americans in times of war”  it marked the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and honors the African Americans participation in battle.