Black History Month was recognized nationally in 1976, when President Gerald Ford designated the month as a time for the public to honor the contributions of Black Americans, according to the museum. The month has since inspired other groups and an appreciation of multicultural backgrounds.

The historian promoted Negro History Week as part of efforts to embed Black studies into the American education system.

Celebrating Black History in February and all year long is fundamental, writes. Black History is American History.

For four decades, the USA has officially celebrated Black History Month, but efforts to honor African American history in February go back a century.