Black History Month
By Jessica McElrath, About.com Guide to African-American History
Black History Month celebrates the contributions made to the world by those of African descent. Explore the issues, events, and people that have made a difference.
- Origins and History
- Important Contributions from African Americans
- African American Firsts
- Who Am I?
- Activists
- Actors & Comedians
- Athletes
- Astronauts & Pilots
Origins and History
How and why was Black History Month created? Explore the origins of this important month.
- The Origins of Black History Month
- Carter Woodson - Father of Black History Month
- Is Black History Month Still Necessary?
- Poll: Is Black History Month Still Necessary?
Important Contributions from African Americans
African Americans have contributed to society in immeasurable ways.
- Jack Johnson Became First Black to Win Heavyweight Boxing Title
- Charles Drew Discovered a Life-Saving Blood Storage Technique
- Garrett Morgan Invented the Gas Mask and Traffic Signal
- Harriet Tubman Helped Slaves Escape to Freedom
- George Washington Carver Invented 300 Uses for Peanuts
- Jackie Robinson Integrated Major League Baseball
- Debi Thomas Won a Figure Skating Olympic Gold Medal
- Lorraine Hansberry Wrote Award-Winning Play A Raisin in the Sun
African American Firsts
Who was the first patent holder? Who was the first U.S. senator? This series of content focuses on important black firsts in the world.
Who Am I?
How much do you know about notable African American figures in history? Test your knowledge.
Activists
Take a look at the people who committed their lives to such causes as the abolition movement and the civil rights movement.
- Ralph Abernathy
- Ella Baker
- Stokely Carmichael
- Angela Davis
- Frederick Douglass
- W.E.B. DuBois
- Medgar Evers
- T. Thomas Fortune
- Marcus Garvey
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Coretta Scott King
- Thurgood Marshall
- James Meredith
- Rosa Parks
- A. Philip Randolph
- Bayard Rustin
- Maria Stewart
- Harriet Tubman
- Nat Turner
- Sojourner Truth
Actors & Comedians
From the early beginnings of film, stage, and television, parts for African American actors were scarce. Those that were available were often servant roles. Take a look at America's past and present black entertainers.
Athletes
Black athletes have not always had it easy; for many, the color line and discrimination defined and limited their success. Nevertheless, African American history is full of exceptional athletes.
Astronauts & Pilots
Articles about African American pilots and astronauts.
Educators
Some of the most influential blacks have come from the field of education.
Musicians & Singers
From the blues to hip hop, African Americans have played a central influence in music.
- Marian Anderson
- Louis Armstrong
- Lil Hardin Armstrong
- Josephine Baker
- Pearl Bailey
- James Brown
- Ray Charles
- W.C. Handy
- Billie Holiday
- Son House
- Alberta Hunter
- Blind Lemon Jefferson
- Charley Patton
- Leontyne Price
- Ma Rainey
- Bessie Smith
- Sarah Vaughan
- Ethel Waters
Politicians
Since the end of slavery, blacks have served in various important positions in the government.
Scientists & Inventors
African American inventors like George Washington Carver and doctors like Charles Drew, have made the world would be much better place.
- Benjamin Banneker
- Bessie Blount
- George Washington Carver
- Charles Drew
- Marjorie Joyner
- Ernest Everett Just
Soldiers
African Americans have been part of the American military experience from the time of the country's founding to today.
Religious Leaders
Religious leaders have been instrumental in the black community.
Writers
The Harlem Renaissance was a time when African Americans created great work; but beyond this time there were numerous others who have produced notable work.
