Black History Matters Every Month of the Year
Black History Month has been a staple in American education since its first federally recognized observance in 1976. It has since gone on to be observed and celebrated in Canada, the UK, and Ireland, though in the two latter countries it is observed in October as opposed to February. President Gerald Ford, in his recognition of Black History Month, stated that it provided an “Opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
