Happy Black History Month from Jersey City Free Public Library

Happy Black History Month from Jersey City Free Public Library! Black History Month began in 1925 when Carter G. Woodson and the organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), conceived and announced Negro History Week. His intent was to raise awareness of African American’s contributions to civilization and the event was first celebrated in February 1926 during a week that encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, the nation’s bicentennial, the celebration was expanded to a month by President Gerald R. Ford. 

Use this month as an opportunity to explore the achievements of African Americans in this country. And what better place to start than your local library? Delve into our digital resources listed below to learn more about African American history! And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for upcoming Black History Month programs for all ages.