Black History Month is an annual celebration that started in 1926 in the US. It was conceived by historian Carter G Woodson who proposed a time to honour African Americans and raise awareness of Black history. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Llincoln and Frederick Douglas.
In 1976, under President Gerald Ford, Black History Month was offically recognised in the country. The white house defines it as "both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black History is American history". The month also honours the contribution and legacy of activists, politicians and civil rights pioneers, including Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks, among others.
In the US, Black History is celebrated with a range of activities, including events at universities, museums, public schools as well as within different communities across the country.