Black History Month was established in the United States of America by the Harvard educated African American scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson. In the US, February has been recognized as black history month since 1926. It was thought that such a month was necessary in an effort to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of African Americans in keeping alive their heritage, traditions and histories.

As chosen by Woodson, February is the Black History Month. It is usually held on the second week of the month. They said because that week includes the birthday of the two most important men: President Abraham Lincoln which is on Feb 12 and Frederick Douglass, which is in 14th. But today, they are considering it a month celebration, so that is why they expand it to the whole month of February.

Since its inception in 1926, Negro History Week and Black History Month have been given annual themes. The first annual theme was simply, "The Negro in History," but since then the themes have grown more specific. Here is a list of the most current and future themes for Black History Month.

• 2005 - The Niagara Movement: Black protest Reborn, 1905-2005

• 2006 - Celebrating Community: A tribute to Black Fraternal, Social, and Civic Institutions

• 2007 - From Slavery to Freedom: Africans in the Americas

• 2008 - Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism

• 2009 - The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas

• 2010 - The History of Black Economic Empowerment

• 2011 - African Americans and the Civil War