Frederick Douglass was an Eastern Shore native, abolitionist leader, social reformer, and one of the most important leaders of the movement for African American civil rights in the 19th century. “While Black History Month is a time to reflect,

The origin of Black History Month in America goes back more than 100 years. Some may wonder why February, the shortest month of the year, was chosen to be the month to celebrate Black history. Here is the origin of Black History Month and how it is celebrated each year.

February is Black History Month, set aside to honor the history of African-Americans. February was chosen to also honor abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln, whose birthdays are this month.

Mwatabu Okantah was at Kent State when Black History Month was first celebrated. He reflects on the groundwork laid and why it still matters.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s 2025 Black History Month theme is “African Americans and Labor."