Black History Month is celebrated every February as an homage to the achievements of African Americans who have shaped American history. The idea was started in 1915 by historian Carter G. Woodson. The Harvard-trained historian and others in his group wanted a way of promoting achievements of African Americans. That group is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life History. The group chose the second week in February in 1926 to celebrate “Negro History Week.”. In the late 1960s, the week evolved into an entire month, thanks in large part to the civil rights movement.
"African Americans and the Arts"
African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans. For more information, click here.
