The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, almost half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. In Sept. 1915, historian Carter G. Woodson and prominent minister at the time, Jesse E. Moorland, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). ASNLH was dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other peoples of African descent. In 1926, the organization sponsored Negro History week. They chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Not until 50 years later in 1976 did President Gerald R. Ford officially recognize Black History Month.

Both events inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures. After all, President Ford had called upon the nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout out history” when he spoke in 1976. Every standing president following Ford has recognized February as Black History Month and designated a specific theme.

The very first theme was America for All Americans; this past year, in 2010, the theme focused on the history of black economic empowerment and acknowledged the achievements of the painter Jacob Lawrence, entrepreneur Annie Malone and civil rights organization, the  National Urban League. Black History Month 2011 will highlight African Americans and the Civil War.

However, every year debate follows the month’s purpose. Arguments, some even published in respected publications such as USA Today, say that an entire month dedicated to the history of one race, African Americans, undermines the month’s true purpose; equality. Others also argue that African American history is simply American history and shouldn’t be separately highlighted.

Nonetheless, the support of the month is strong and filled with special events. One popular event is the 85th Annual Black History Month Luncheon and Featured Authors’ Event, which will be held on Feb. 26 in Washington, DC. Historian, Lerone Bennett, Jr., Executive Editor Emeritus of Ebony Magazine will be one of the many featured guests along with Anchor for WUSA’s Channel  9 News, Andrea Roane.

Popular shoe company, Nike, is also in support of the month and is planning on releasing a 2011 Black History Month  Pack, which will include a Nike Air Force 1, a Nike Zoom Kobe VI, an Air Jordan 3 and a Converse Star Player EVO. The company hopes to celebrate the achievements and pioneering spirit of three important basketball players: Julius Irving, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Black History Month offers our country the chance to reflect back in an honest way and celebrate individuals who pave the way for a future where race is no longer a issue.