Now a month-long celebration throughout myriad parts of the world, Black History Month (BHM) originated from “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. Woodson, a Harvard-educated African American historian, proposed the idea of dedicating time for all Americans to learn about, explore, and call attention to the incredible accomplishments and capabilities of Black people, like himself, who were contributing to the society they were actively part of and the world they existed in.
President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in the US in 1976, supporting Americans taking time to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor.” BHM serves a vital purpose. Every February, it highlights resilience, pride, community, and impact. Now that the excitement of the New Year has faded and we are settling into our routines, there is no better time to look beyond ourselves and recognize the collective identity of which we are all a part.
From George Washington Carver, the research scientist and inventor who created hundreds of products from peanuts for both the kitchen and medicine cabinet; to Barack Obama, America’s first Black president who hails from Chicago (Credico’s headquarters); to Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett, the lead scientist on the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine team; and Jessica Watkins, the first Black woman to complete an international space mission; history is continuously being shaped and influenced by Black Americans and deserves to be celebrated.
At Credico, we see Black History Month as an opportunity to celebrate diversity and the incredible impact of Black Americans in shaping our country and world for the better. Considering Credico is a global organization, we take pride in seeing how Black History Month has evolved from a local observation in the United States into a global movement of visibility and inclusion, especially in the multiple international locations where we work.
In Canada, Black History month was first celebrated in Nova Scotia in 1988, followed by Ontario in 1993. Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, proposed a motion in December 1995 to recognize BHM nationally in Canada. In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It was adopted in March of that year and now, every February, Canada celebrates the achievements of Black Canadians throughout the month.
South Africa’s approach to Black history and celebrating the achievements of individuals of African descent is naturally on a global scale. Notable South African figures like anti-apartheid activist and president Nelson Mandela, Nobel Peace Prize Winner Desmond Tutu and African stateswoman, freedom fighter and Mozambique’s first minister of Education Graça Machel are recognized worldwide for their impact and vision for equality all over the world.
Although Black History Month is not formally celebrated in South Africa, Heritage Month and Day are. Every September, South Africans celebrate their past, present, and future, as well as their vibrant diversity and culture. Heritage Day is observed every September 24th to intentionally remember and celebrate cultural diversity.
The United Kingdom first celebrated Black History Month in October 1987, organized by Ghanaian analyst and journalist and pan-African activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo. As the Special Projects Coordinator of the Ethnic Minorities Unit at the Greater London Council after visiting the United States, he led the charge to establish the UK’s version of Black History Month.
The UK celebrates Black History Month in October to honor African traditions and promote universal Black pride. During this month, African chiefs and leaders come together to discuss and preserve cultural traditions. This celebration also coincides with the start of the new academic year, providing Black children with a sense of pride and identity as they pursue their education.
This Black History Month, we are committed to actively participating in cultural exploration, events, and activities that highlight the contributions of Black men and women from the past who have shaped our history. Our goal is to seek and create genuine opportunities that allow us to learn from the past, ensuring that we do not repeat it while allowing the next generation of Black leaders, inventors, musicians, and cultural movers, shakers, and influencers a fair chance to shape our collective future in their own unique way.