GFWC Celebrates Black History Month

February 1, 2022

GFWC is encouraging its clubs to take time, especially in February, to learn more about the achievements and culture of African Americans for Black History Month. GFWC also supports March of Dimes, one of its Affiliate Organizations, in its work to improve the health of every family by eliminating barriers and challenges to improving access to health care.

The celebration that is Black History Month today first originated from Negro History Week in 1926. Carter G. Woodson, co-founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, established a celebration to recognize the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. It was observed during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, as both of these individuals played a role in ending slavery.

In 1976, Black History Month was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford “to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” It has since been recognized by every American president and in 1986 Congress passed a law designating February as “National Black History Month.”