What is Black History?

Black History is a tribute to African American men and women who have made significant contributions to America and the rest of the world in the fields of science, politics, law, sports, the arts, entertainment, and many other fields.

When did Black History begin?

Black History Month began in 1926 as part of an initiative by writer and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who launched Negro History Week. Woodson proclaimed that Negro History Week should always occur in the second week of February — between the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976 by calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

When did it become an official holiday?

Let's take a look at some famous African Americans from the past......

......all the way through 2021.

Heavyweight Champ

Jack Johnson became the first African American man to hold the World Heavyweight Champion boxing title in 1908. He held onto the belt until 1915.

Boxing Record

In total, John's professional record included 73 wins (40 of them being knockouts), 13 losses, 10 draws and 5 no contest. 

John Arthur "Jack" Johnson was born on March 31, 1878, in Galveston, Texas

First Lawyer

John Mercer Langston

 John Langston was the first Black man to become a lawyer when he passed the bar in Ohio in 1854. When he was elected to the post of Town Clerk for Brownhelm, Ohio, in 1855 Langston became one of the first African Americans ever elected to public office in America. 

 Thurgood Marshall was the first African American ever appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. He was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson and served on the court from 1967 to 1991.

    In 1933, Marshall received his law degree and was ranked first in his class. After graduation from Howard, Marshall opened a private practice law firm in Baltimore.

Supreme Court Justice:

Thurgood Marshall was born on July 2, 1908, in Baltimore, Maryland. His father, William Marshall, was a railroad porter, and his mother, Norma, was a teacher.

Hiram Rhodes Revels was the first African American ever elected to the U.S. Senate. He represented the state of Mississippi from February 1870 to March 1871.

First Senator:

Revels was born in North Carolina on September 27, 1827. 

On April 5, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play Major League Baseball when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. He led the league in stolen bases that season and was named Rookie of the Year.

First Professional Black Baseball Player: 

Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, to a family of sharecroppers. He was the youngest of five children.