Black History Month originated as "Negro History Week" proposed in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson to honor the achievements of African Americans. It was expanded to a month in 1976 during the nation's bicentennial. While it sparks debate about focusing a race's history to one month, it remains important to recognize influential figures such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., inventors Elijah McCoy and Garrett Morgan, athlete Jesse Owens, and others who helped shape American history.

1. The Becoming
of
Black History Month
By
Catara Cage
Ms.Mocsary
English 101-67

2. Every great dream begins with a dreamer.
Always remember, you have within you
the strength, the patience, and the passion to
reach for stars to change the world
---Harriet Tubman

3. Introduction
• Black History Month is observed each February &
celebrates achievements of African Americans.
• In February 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson proposed
the establishment of "Negro History Week" to
honor the history and contributions of African
Americans to American life.
Dr. Carter G.
Woodson

4. The Year of 1976
• Dr. Woodson, known as the "Father of Black
History", chose the second week of February
because it commemorates the birthdays of two men
who greatly affected the African American
community: Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and
Frederick Douglass (February 14). Negro History
Week became Black History Month in the early
1970's. In 1976, the week-long observance was
expanded to a month in honor of the nation's
bicentennial.
Fredrick Douglas Abraham Lincoln

5. Cricitism
• Black History Month sparks an annual debate about
the continued usefulness and fairness of a designated
month dedicated to the history of one race. Many
people hold concerns about black history being
delegated to a single month and the "hero worship"
of some of the historical figures often recognized
• Morgan Freeman, a critic of Black History Month,
said: "I don't want a black history month. Black
history is American history." Freeman also argued
that there was no White History Month because
white people did not want their history relegated to
just one month.

7. Abolitionists
• Frederick Douglass escaped
from slavery and spoke
around the country and
Europe about the evils of
slavery.
• Harriet Tubman escaped
slavery and then went back
South to help many slaves
escape to freedom on the
Underground Railroad.
Harriet Tubman
Frederick Douglass

8. Civil Rights Leaders
• Rosa Parks is called the “Mother of
the Civil Rights Movement”. One
day after working hard at her job,
she was riding the bus home.
There were laws that black people
could not sit where they wanted
on the bus – they had to sit in the
back. The bus driver asked her to
give up her seat so a white man
could sit down. Rosa said “no” and
was taken to jail.

9. Civil Rights Leaders
• Martin Luther King was a Baptist
preacher in Montgomery, Alabama.
He led a boycott of the city bus
system and this led to the civil rights
movement. He dedicated his life to
achieving equality and justice for all
Americans of all colors. King
believed that peaceful protest was
the best way to bring about social
change. Martin Luther King was
assassinated in 1968.
Martin Luther King

10. Inventors
• Elijah McCoy invented a device for oiling
steam engines in 1872. The term “the
real McCoy” is believed to be a reference
about the reliability of Elijah McCoy’s
invention.
Elijah McCoy
• Garrett Augustus Morgan invented the
first stop light. He sold his invention to
General Electric Company. He also
invented the gas mask that solders in
WWI used.
Garrett Morgan

11. Scientists
• Dr. Daniel Hale Williams
performed the first open heart
surgery in 1893.
Daniel Hale Williams
• Dr. Mae Jemison was the first
black woman in space in 1992.
She traveled in the spaceship
Endeavor.
Mae Jemison

12. Athletes
• Hank Aaron is a famous
baseball player. In 1974,
he beat Babe Ruth’s home
run record of 715 home
runs. Hank held the
record for 755 home runs
for over 30 years.

13. Athletes
• Jesse Owens was a track and field
athlete. He represented the USA at
the 1936 Olympic Games held in
Nazi Germany. Owens won four
gold medals and set a world record
in the long jump. Hitler left the
stadium to avoid having to
congratulate an African-American. Jesse Owens

14. Conclusion
• Black History Month is a time to remember our past
and celebrate the many achievements of African-
Americans!