Is it a coincidence that Black history month is in the shortest month of the year?

Answer 1

I know the answer to this question because I asked years ago why Black History Month was in February when Martin Luther King was born in January. I just figured because MLK was such a great African American that it would have been celebrated in January during his birthday month. I was told (by an African American) that it was actually organized by the son of former slaves (Carter Woodson) and done in February because it was in honor of birthdays of tremendous supporters of African Americans – mainly Abraham Lincoln. I couldn’t remember all of it so I looked it up (this was years ago so I couldn’t remember all of the details)… Below is the actual post and source of topic. (By the way, it has nothing to do with Feb being the shortest month –posters/repliers should be careful in posting opinionated statements as it could be hurtful and influential to a young African American to think this is true when it is not at all the case). Hope this helps!
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According to Biography.com, "Every February, Americans celebrate Black History Month. This tribute dates back to 1926 and is credited to a Harvard scholar named Carter G. Woodson. The son of former slaves, Woodson dedicated his life to ensuring that black history was accurately documented and disseminated. "In an effort to bring national attention to the contributions of black Americans, Woodson organized the first annual ***** History Week in 1926. He chose the second week of February in honor of the birthdays of pivotal black supporters Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln."

Answer 2

I believe Congress chose February as "Black History Month" because that is the month Abraham Lincoln was born not because it was the shortest month. (Although, it may have made more sense to have chosen January since that is when the Emancipation Proclamation was introduced [1/1/1863] and when Martin Luther King was born.)

Answer 3

Hey, at least you have a month, a month that the government gave to honor black history..

White people don't have an official month
Hispanics dont either
Asians have March but It's not publicized

Get off your racial high horse, I'm all for equality, but when someone gives you an ENTIRE MONTH you should be thankful no matter how long it is.

Like I said, I'm all for total racial/sex/sexual orientation equality, but I am not for a reversal of power..

What black people have gone through in the past is not an excuse for YOU to be a racist, you are fueling the racial tension problem.

Answer 4

It is probably a coincidence. Besides no other race has an entire month dedicated to them, so what difference does it make whether its the shortest month or not?

Answer 5

Ok i understand why Black people had the white but I don't get why we hold a grudge after so many years I didn't do anything to them and yet I'm treated like crap so let me ask you why is it OK to complain about black history month but if we wanted white history month we would be racist? So if you think about it the white people are now being treated like CRAP.

Answer 6

No, they chose the shortest month because they wanted to jip you out of 3 more days.

Answer 7

You're right! We should move black history month to March and make February "midget history month". Then the shortness wouldn't matter....

Answer 8

Because there is not much to celebrate? Besides MLK and Mr. Peanut, George Washington Carver, who else is ever taught about anyway? You're obviously not using your 28 days to the fullest if we don't know who there is to celebrate. Instead of complaining about the time you have, use it wisely so I can know more than peanut butter and "I have a dream..."

Answer 9

Pure racism, that's all it is. Twenty-first century slavery. Yep. I'm sure Cheney and Haliburton are behind this. They're getting rich on black history month.

Answer 10

I don't know but could you imagine having White History month