14 iconic civil rights moments
Since 1976 the United States of America has recognized February as Black History Month. This time is used to honor and celebrate those who have broken boundaries as well defining moments in history.
The origins of Black History month date back to 1915 when Carter G. Woodson -- a Harvard educated historian -- and minister Jesse. E. Moorland created the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. In 1926 they sponsored a national Negro History week and chose to celebrate it during the second week of February so that it would overlap with Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass's birthdays.
In the years to come similar celebrations would pop up in cities all over the country. As it gained popularity the week soon turned into a month. Soon after the Civil Rights movement President Gerald R. Ford would officially declare February as Black History Month.
In honor of Black History month we revisit the moments that defined the civil rights movement:
