Celebrating Black History Month in Denver

History of Black History Month

Black History Month’s roots started in 1915 — half a century after slavery was abolished — when scholar Carter G. Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. He urged other Black scholars and civic organizations to promote their community’s achievements, and out of that motivation, the Association sponsored Negro History Week in the second week of February 1926. By the late 1960s, Woodson’s concept was expanded into what we now know as Black History Month, officially recognized by President Gerald R. Ford during the 1976 bicentennial.

Why February

Woodson, considered the “father of Black history,” chose February to coincide with the birthdays of formerly enslaved man and prominent abolitionist Frederick Douglass (believed to be Feb.14) and President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12), who was influential in the emancipation of enslaved people. Woodson also chose this week out of tradition, as Black communities had already been honoring these two birthdays.

This Year’s Theme

The 2024 theme is “African Americans and the Arts,” in recognition of the paramount influence of Black artists, artworks, and movements, and to highlight “the richness of the past and present with an eye towards what the rest of the 21st century will bring,” according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Denver

A Survey for Black Denverites

The City would like to hear from Black community members about their lived experience with equity and inclusivity in Denver. The 11-question survey (you can take it here) was created by the Denver African American Commission. The deadline is Feb. 29.