February 1, 2023

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), was originally founded by Carter G. Woodson, the “Father of Black History,” as the “Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.” The origins of Black History Month emerged from Woodson’s introduction of “Negro History Week” in February 1926. The month of February was selected by Woodson because it encompassed the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, 1809, and Frederick Douglass, born in February 1818. 

Believing it was important for our nation to set aside the month of February in official observance of African Americans’ contributions to the history of the United States and world, the ASALH sought federal government recognition. The first official observance came in February 1976, from President Gerald Ford whose words established Black History Month in eloquent homage to Woodson and ASALH. Ford proclaimed: “In the Bicentennial year of our Independence, we can review with admiration the impressive contributions of Black Americans to our national life…. [T]o help highlight these achievements,  Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History. We are grateful to him today for his initiative, and we are richer for the work of his organization.”  

In 1986, also the first year of the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as a national holiday, the U.S. Congress, in a joint resolution of the House and Senate, designated the month of February as “National Black History Month.” The resolution authorized and requested President Ronald Reagan to issue a proclamation in observance. In 1986, the Presidential Proclamation 5443 noted that “the foremost purpose of Black History Month is to make all Americans aware of this struggle for freedom and equal opportunity.” 

Since 1928, the ASALH has provided a theme for Black History observance to focus the attention of the public. Not with an intention to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis. The themes reflect changes in how people of African descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the Black community.  

Below, we share excerpts from ASALH on the introduction of 2023’s Black History Month theme, which you can read about in more detail on the organization’s website. 

Resistance! History’s throughline  

“‘Black Resistance,’ the 2023 theme of Black History Month, speaks to the relationship between Black people resisting and historical triumphs, successes and progress as seen in the end of chattel slavery, dismantling of Jim and Jane Crow segregation in the South, increased political representation at all levels of government, desegregation of educational institutions, the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History in DC and increased and diverse representation of Black experiences in media. Black resistance strategies have served as a model for every other social movement in the country, thus, the legacy and importance of these actions cannot be understated. 

“As societal and political forces escalate to limit access to and exercise of the ballot, eliminate the teaching of Black history, and work to push us back into the 1890s, we can only rely on our capacity to resist. The enactment of HR 40, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, the Breathe Act, and the closure of the racial wealth gap is not the end. They too will require us to mobilize our resources, human and material, and fight for “freedom, justice, and equality,” “self-determination,” and/or social transformation.” 

This is a call to everyone, inside and outside the association, the study of the history of Black Americans’ responses to establish safe spaces, where Black life can be sustained, fortified, and respected.” 

When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926, he realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of the public. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis. 

For those interested in the study of identity and ideology, ASALH views an exploration of their Black History themes as instructive. Which over the years have reflected changes in how people of African descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the black community. 

The changes notwithstanding, the list of Black History Month themes that date back to 1928, reveals an overarching continuity in ASALH’s dedication to exploring historical issues of importance to people of African descent and race relations in America. 

We hope the following list of events taking place across L.A. County during this year’s Black History Month provide opportunities for learning, celebration, and coming together. 

Events & Activities Celebrating Black History

Educational Resources




Celebrating Black History Month 2025

Celebrating Black History Month 2025

Feb 5, 2025

This February, First 5 LA joins families and communities across Los Angeles in celebrating Black History Month. Originally conceived in 1926 as a way of preserving and sharing Black life, history, and culture, the event received its federal designation from Congress...

First 5 LA Thanks Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for Speeding Rebuilding and Recovery in Wake of LA Fires

First 5 LA President and CEO Releases Statement on L.A. County Fires

Jan 16, 2025

January 15, 2025 Dear, Los Angeles County Community, First and foremost, I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe. Our hearts go out to the members of our community and their loved ones who have been impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles...

L.A. County Wildfire Recovery Resources

L.A. County Wildfire Recovery Resources

Jan 14, 2025

First 5 LA has created a dedicated resource page to help families, communities and partners navigate and access the available services and supports related to the Palisades and Eaton Fires. This webpage will be updated as new information becomes available. Emergency...

Translate