Why is Black History Month in February, the shortest month?

Question

Another case of racism. Why not one with 31 days?

Answer 1

"***** History Week" was held during the month of February (in memory of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln) and was created by Dr. Carter G. Woodson (a Black man who co-founded and financed the Association for the Study of ***** Life and History in 1915).

The week was extended to an entire month in 1976.

In the UK, Black History Month is celebrated during the month of October (a 31-day-long month).

I believe that months dedicated to the history of certain groups of minorities are based on when major events have happened that affected that group:

-- Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May: May was chosen to commemorate the first immigration wave of Japanese to the States on May 7, 1843. It also marks the anniversary of the completion of the TransContinental Railroad on May 10, 1869. The Railroad was built by mostly Chinese immigrants who were used as cheap labor.
-- Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15: September 15th marked the day of independence for 5 Latin American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras). On September 16, Mexico claimed it's independence and Chileans celebrate the date of the first Government Junta on September 18.

Those are only a couple of examples that I have thorough knowledge of. I am not Black but I don't feel that BHM was set in February due to racism. It is celebrated in February for historic reasons in order to celebrate certain dates and people which/who were major landmarks in the Black Movement.

P.S. To Mike B: I view 'White history' as being educated through 'American history'. Since White-Americans have been in power of this country since they stepped foot here, and are the majority race/ethnicity in this country, their history is taught in colleges and schools just by taking an American history class.

P.P.S. To Just Another: I refuse to get into a debate with you about the fact that, REGARDLESS of whether or not the "majority of Whites arrived in America as slaves or indentured servents" (which I would like a link to, as I've not heard of hundreds of millions of White-Europeans being brought over the Middle Passage by force and in chains...as did happen to Africans), White-Americans have always been in power in America. And what of it? What the hell is your point? By whom were these White slaves and indentured servents brought over? Other Whites, yes? If you feel the bloody need to continue this, you can e-mail me. Let's not clog these pages up with information that is irrelevant to the original question.

Edited to respond to Just Another: This isn't a "Who's Had It Worse" contest but it seems you're making it out to be that way. I won't play that game but you can play it all you want. Never did I say that Europeans/White-Americans have not been victimized. EVERYONE has been oppressed in some way, shape or form in this country. Not just White-Americans and not just Black-Americans (I'd give examples but again...irrelevant). Maybe *someone* should re-read my original response TO the poster above me (who actually asked a valid question) and realize that I was not attacking White-Americans. Merely stating why I believe that White-American history can be seen in American history classes BECAUSE of the FACT that White-Americans have been in power of America since they first immigrated here and therefore are the ones MAKING *most* of American history. And while this *someone* is re-reading, maybe it might help to actually FOLLOW the "argument" as you seem to be thoroughly confused and it doesn't seem like you're keeping up; e.g., "Whites have been in power? Yes. And? What is this suppose to mean? That we should continue to cry over who did what to whom?" These questions have already been answered by me in my original response to the person above me. But no, playing the "crying game" (which is what you're doing right now) is not what I said nor implied.

And, YES, you can message me with any further snide comments since I wasn't attacking ANYONE until you had to pipe in with irrelevant BS. *I* am not the one who had a problem with your original answer...I believe 'twas you that had a problem with mine. You are no longer answering anything...you are debating and this isn't a debate board as far as I'm concerned.

I don't know if you're having a bad day...I don't really care. But you took my original answer completely out of context and threw it waaaaay the fluck out there. I have nothing against you...never did. So let's stop the tit-for-tat and call it a day, okay?

Just Another: Okay. I understand how you may have misinterpreted my original answer but I'm glad that you see that I was not demeaning or bashing White-Americans in any way. I agree that everyone's history should be celebrated, and learned, every day of the year. No apologies necessary. *I* apologize for getting snippy. Don't mind my grouchy behind. Paz y amor.

Answer 2

Maybe you should learn the history of how it came to be in February for yourself before you start claiming it to be racism? It was started as ***** History Week by Carter G. Woodson and was celebrated during the second week of February. As far as I know every week last the same amount of time so having it there had no racism motive of wanting it to be shorter. Instead, it during this week because of the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

Answer 3

Dr. Carter G. Woodson pick February for black history month because it corresponded to the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two men who greatly impacted the Black American population.

Answer 4

It was started by Carter G Woodson as black history week in february, and then it was expanded to a whole month... and people crying about Irish-American history month it is in March and no people it is not one day it is a whole month... it's not black people's fault if you don't celebrate it accordingly

Answer 5

Are you kidding? You must be racist. Only a racist would make an issue of such a thing.

There shouldn't even be a black history month, in my opinion, as it feeds racism and the belief that there differences between races that deserve special attention and consideration. Separate is not equal! I hope the day will come in which we celebrate ALL history equally regardless of race, culture, outward appearance, etc... If we seperate our histories, we will will remain seperate in the future.

Answer 6

OK, I don't think it has anything to do with racism! YOU HAVE A MONTH!!!! That's more than any other race can say!! Don't get too greedy!!! ;-)

Be proud of BHM and the whole damn month of February. That is 28(sometimes 29) days of lessons for everyone else on what it was like to struggle for equality and acceptance in the US (which I find absolutely fascinating, and heart wrenching to say the least), and there's still a ways to go- be proud of the fact that you have a month, no matter how long or how short- because no one else does. :)

Answer 7

Hun, just thank God that we have a month to celebrate. But we as African Americans should celebrate black history everyday in our lives and in our homes.....

Answer 8

what i want to know is when is white history month? No offence but I want to know about white history not black history. I mean when was the last time whites or blacks were worried about any other culture besides their own. who care I dont thinks races should get a month I think someone should celebrate their heritage year round.

Answer 9

The black history month is to focus on black history - that's basic logic. There is no need for a white history moth since that's all you learn at school so there is no lack to be rectified

Answer 10

Because you have other large objects of celebration :)

Seriously why worry about it. There are so many other blatant forms of racism going on in this country that need our attention.

Answer 11

I don't know....
but I feel cheated....
my ancestors came over from Ireland but
we don't have an Irish History Month
I don't know what makes one race more special than any other.
All races have endured suffering to one degree or another.