Negro History Week was a weeklong observance of Black history that historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History first held in February 1926. It was the direct forerunner of Black History Month, which replaced it in 1976.
- First held: February 1926
- Created by: Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History
- Timing: the week holding Lincoln's (February 12) and Douglass's (February 14) birthdays
- Replaced by: Black History Month, 1976
- Centennial: February 2026
Why did Woodson create Negro History Week?
Woodson wanted Black history studied and celebrated widely, not only by scholars. A 1915 celebration in Chicago marking fifty years since emancipation inspired him. In 1925 he decided his association should take responsibility for popularizing Black history (ASALH).
He tied the week to an existing tradition. Black communities already celebrated the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass in mid-February. Woodson used that moment to widen the focus from two famous men to the achievements of Black people as a whole (ASALH).
When was the first Negro History Week?
The first Negro History Week was observed in February 1926. Sources describe the start slightly differently. The Library of Congress says Woodson and the association started it in 1925, with the first celebration in February 1926 (Library of Congress). ASALH says Woodson announced the week in early 1926 (ASALH). Both agree the first observance took place in February 1926.
How did Negro History Week become Black History Month?
During the 1960s, Black communities and student groups pushed for longer observances, and the week gradually gave way to a month (ASALH). Black United Students at Kent State University proposed a monthlong observance in 1969 and held the first one in 1970 (Kent State Today).
In 1976, Woodson's association made the change official, from a week to a month and from "Negro" to "Black" history (ASALH).
Why was it called "Negro" History Week?
"Negro" was the common term for Black Americans in the 1920s, and it appeared in the association's original name. In 1976 the association changed the observance's name from "Negro" to "Black" history (ASALH). This site uses the historical name when referring to the 1926 observance.
How was the hundredth anniversary marked?
February 2026 marked one hundred years since the first Negro History Week. ASALH chose "A Century of Black History Commemorations" as the national theme for 2026 (ASALH).
You can visit the house where Woodson ran the effort. His Washington home, the association's former headquarters, is now the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site.
Sources
- Abraham, Lisa. "Celebrating Black History Month Where It Began." Kent State Today, February 9, 2026.
- Association for the Study of African American Life and History. "Black History Month Virtual Festival." Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Library of Congress. "About Black History Month." Accessed October 17, 2026.
- National Park Service. "Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site." Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Scott, Daryl Michael. "Origins of Black History Month." Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Accessed October 17, 2026.