Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: Black History Month

19th Century

Black History Month

Black History Month is celebrated in the month of February. It is a time to remember important people and events in African-American history. Black History Month started officially in the mid 1920’s, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced that the second week of February be celebrated as “Negro History Week.” Ever since then, around the time of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) and Frederick Douglass’s birthday (February 14), many have celebrated African-American achievements. It was Woodson who stated:

“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated. The American Indian left no continuous record. He did not appreciate the value of tradition; and where is he today? The Hebrew keenly appreciated the value of tradition, as is attested by the Bible itself. In spite of worldwide persecution, therefore, he is a great factor in our civilization.”

The unveiling of Negro History Week was met with an enthusiastic response. It prompted the creation of black history clubs and an increase in teaching and learning of African-American history in schools and institutions. In the mid to late 1920’s, the week dedicated to African-American history was recognized by mayors across the United States who endorsed it as a holiday.

By the 1970’s, Negro History Week took an official new name, as Black History Month became a national celebration in the United States. Black History Month was celebrated in educational institutions and centers of African-American culture such as community centers and clubs. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and included it as part of the United States Bicentennial in 1976.

Shop Black History Month themed pieces at The Great Republic.

Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Collage

 

 

 

Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington Jazz Collage

 

 


Duke Ellington 1963 Jazz Poster

 

 

Louis Armstrong 1957 "Satchmo" Movie Poster

 

 

 

Stride Toward Freedom, First Edition by Martin Luther King Jr.

 

 

Stride Toward Freedom, First Edition, Signed and Inscribed

 

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Signed Letter

 

Shop the Collection

Shop more Black History Month items here.

Read more

The Bellamy Eagle - The Great Republic
19th Century

The Bellamy Eagle

John Haley Bellamy’s iconic style of carving eagles became so well known that they soon were labeled the “Bellamy Eagle.” They were highly prized for their quality and attention to detail. Bellamy’...

Read more
After Remington: Bronze Sculptures Inspired by the Wild West - The Great Republic
antique

After Remington: Bronze Sculptures Inspired by the Wild West

Frederic Sackrider Remington was an American painter, illustrator, sculptor, and writer who specialized in depictions of the American Old West. He specifically concentrated his works on scenes from...

Read more

Blog posts

Manufacturing the Stars and the Stripes - The Great Republic

Manufacturing the Stars and the Stripes

The original 13 stars and stripes of the American flag have taken on many different configurations over the last few centuries, with the construction techniques following suit. Read more in this blog.

Read more
Charles Magnus: Mapmaker and Publisher - The Great Republic

Charles Magnus: Mapmaker and Publisher

Charles Magnus led his field in mapmaking and publishing in the mid to late 19th century. Read more about his accomplishments and style in this week's blog.

Read more
A Will Rogers Tribute - The Great Republic
Autographs

A Will Rogers Tribute

Will Rogers was a respected and beloved Cherokee cowboy, humorist, political commentator, and entertainer. Our Will Rogers autographed collage is a tribute to the legacy of the Oklahoma cowboy and ...

Read more
Back to the top