Carter G. Woodson originated the idea that grew into Black History Month. His desire to celebrate African Americans' contributions to society led him to found the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) and to conceive the idea for Negro History Week in 1925. The month of February has been dedicated as Black History Month since 1976. (AfricanAmericanhistorymonth.gov)
Image from Smithsonian Blog, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Every year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) provides a theme to focus public attention on important developments, issues, and movements regarding the lives and experiences of Black people in America. This year's theme is Black Health and Wellness.
"The theme for 2022 focuses on the importance of Black Health and Wellness. This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well." - ASALH, 2022