Each February, Black History Month is celebrated across the U.S. in recognition of the achievements and adversities of African Americans throughout our nation’s history. Black History Month was first recognized in 1976 by President Gerald Ford to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
The Black History Month 2024 theme of “African Americans and the Arts” highlights the influence African Americans have had in “visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.”
You can find a thorough overview of the origins of the month-long celebration from The History Channel.
Below are some additional resources where families can learn more about Black History Month and the accomplishments of African Americans. We will continue to add more resources throughout the month.
- Black History Month Resource Guide For Educators and Families (Center for Racial Justice in Education)
- Suggested reading list for kids and adults from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
- Free Learning Resources for Black History Month (And Beyond)
- Black History Month Resources (National Museum of African American History & Culture)
- Fun Facts About Black History Month (US Census)
- Black History Month for Kids video
