Sunday, February 1, 2004 - Page updated at 12:00 AM
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Print viewFebruary focus on black history
Carter Woodson
February has for nearly 80 years been a time to recognize African-American history.
It started in 1926, called "Negro History Week" by its creator, Carter Woodson (1875-1950), an author, editor, publisher and historian who lived in Washington, D.C. Woodson aimed to defend black humanity and highlight the accomplishments of his ancestors.
The week started in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore's black school districts, where artifacts, photos and books were used to detail important achievements by African Americans.
After the civil-rights movement and Woodson's death, the week was expanded outside of the black community and in 1976, the concept evolved into a month recognized nationwide.
Theories abound as to why February was chosen. The truth: Woodson chose the second week of February because of the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (Feb. 12 and Feb. 14).
This month, Northwest Life will reflect on black history by featuring daily facts on people and events in African-American history.
Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company
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