Black History Month became a nationally observed month in 1976 under President Gerald Ford but has a longer, lesser-known history as an annual observance week. In 1915, Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) after frustrations in school with only learning history from specific group's points of view. This foundation would promote studying Black History, as well as celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans.
In order to help schools better organize their efforts, Woodson launched "Negro History Week" in 1926. He chose the second week in February since it encompassed both Frederick Douglass’ birthday on February 14 and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12. Much later, in the 60's, schoolbooks were still found to only mention two black people for the entire century since the Civil War and something further needed to be done. Universities and colleges started adopting Black History Month into their activities, and in 1976, President Ford declared it a national observance on the 50th anniversary of its first celebration.
Since then, each year Black History Month has had different themes. This year's theme is "Black Health and Wellness."
