Quick Facts on Black History Month, MLK Day, and Juneteenth

With Black History Month starting this weekend, and Marting Luthr King Jr. Day last Monday, it’s important to know the orgins of all holidays that celebrate African American History.

Here’s a list of facts about the three main holidays the United States officially recognizes:

Black History Month

• It began as “Negro History Week” in February 1926 to coincide with Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas’s Birthdays
• It was founded by Carter G. Woodson who was an African American Historian
• It became a month after being a week for 50 years and changed the word Negro to Black in 1976 after protests by black students
• Each year a new theme is chosen, this year as “African Americans and Labor” to focus on the fact that hard work has played a significant role in black history
• Many countries besides the United States celebrate Black History Month including the Netherlands, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Ronald Reagan signed to make MLK Day a federal holiday in 1983
• It originally took 15 years for the holiday to be approved and 17 years for the holiday to be recognized by all 50 states
• It is always celebrated on the third Monday of January by reflecting on justice, compassion, and volunteering in the community
• It is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service

Juneteenth

• It is the longest-celebrated African American holiday beginning in 1865 when enslaved African-Americans were freed
• It is celebrated on June 19^th every year to serve as an opportunity to raise awareness of racial injustice and advocate for equality
• Juneteenth can also be referred to as Black Independence Day, Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, and Liberation Day
• Red food is typically eaten to symbolize the bloodshed and resilience of those who fought for freedom

Now that you know some basic facts about these important holidays for African American History, check out the Rocket Launch Broadcast to learn more about how the Assumption Community will commemorate Black History month.