Black History Month

This entry has been published on February 7, 2022 and may be out of date.

The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. This year the Black History Month theme, “Black Health and Wellness,” explores “the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.”

Explore our extensive collection to learn more about the struggles, achievements, and life experiences of scientists, doctors, artists and activists of African descent.