The Origins of Black History Month in the US

In 1969, black educators and students at Kent State University were the first to propose a "Black History Month". The following year, the university became the first to celebrate February as Black History Month. The annual celebration was first recognized by U.S. President Gerald Ford, who called upon citizens to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans". Since then, February has been designated by every president as Black History Month.