Black History Month started as Negro History Week (second week of February) in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Over the decades, this week was endorsed as a holiday.
The first proposal for a whole month was by the Black United Students at Kent State University in 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month was in 1970. Black History Month was federally recognized in 1976 by President Gerald Ford as part of the United States Bicentennial.
Each year has a theme; 2016's theme is Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories.
Some sites for further information about Black History Month:
African American History Month (Library of Congress) - Information about African American-related projects and resources.
Smithsonian Education - Events in Washington D.C. and New York City, educator resources, and an African American Cultural Heritage Virtual Tour are some of the items available on this site.
image: theholidayzone.com
Text:NF
Some books and e-books in our collection related to the breadth of African-American history and culture include (selections: NF) :
The Butler by 
Color Blind by 
Landmarks of African American History by 
Lift Every Voice by 
The Persistence of the Color Line by 
The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks by 
Term Paper Resource Guide to African American History by 