African-American History Month 2007

Carter G. Woodson, founder of Black History Month. (National Park Service)

Each February, Black History Month honors the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens over the most devastating obstacles -- slavery, prejudice, poverty – as well as their contributions to the nation’s cultural and political life.

2007 marks the 81st annual celebration since Carter G. Woodson, a noted scholar and historian, instituted Negro History Week in 1926.  He chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and the abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

The celebration was expanded to a month in 1976, the nation’s bicentennial.  President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” 

Since 1926, The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH) has established the national theme for the month-long celebration. The National Theme for the celebration in the year 2007 is "From Slavery to Freedom: The Story of Africans in the Americas."

The 2007 Black Heritage stamp honors the first lady of song, Ella Fitzgerald. (USPS)

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