What we now call Black History Month was originated in 1926 by Carter Godwin Woodson as Negro History Week. The month of February was selected in deference to Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln who were both born in that month.

Carter Goodwin Woodson, always one to act on his ambitions, decided to take on the challenge of writing black Americans into the nation's history. He founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915 to train Black historians and to collect, preserve, and publish documents on Black life and Black people. He also founded the Journal of Negro History (1916), Associated Publishers (1922), and the Negro Bulletin (1937). Woodson spent his life working to educate all people about the vast contributions made by Black men and women throughout history. Mr. Woodson died on April 3, 1950 and Black History Month is his legacy.

In Britain, October is a season of events and activities that provides a valuable opportunity to explore the culture, history and achievements of Black and ethnic minority communities. It encompasses the anniversary of Black History Month, which is in its 20th year as of October 2007.