Black History Month originates from the early 20th-century historian Carter G. Woodson's desire to spotlight the accomplishments of Black Americans. Up until the 1960s, Black Americans had been excluded from American History by mainstream historians. Woodson created Negro History week in 1926, which lead to the establishment of Black History Month in 1976.
Since then, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
The national theme for 2024 is Black Americans and the Arts and delves into the extensive impact of Black Americans on the visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, technology, culinary arts, and various other cultural expressions. Black American artists across the diaspora have not only used their craft to preserve history and cultural memory but have also played a pivotal role in creating culture in the United States.