Early Manifestations

• Before Black History Month was officially created in 1976, historian Carter G. Woodson formed Negro History Week, which served a similar role in embracing black achievements and customs. Woodson once claimed he hoped such a week would cease to be needed, hoping that racism would end in Western culture, but racism and segregation still persisted into the later part of the century. As a result, activists embraced the creation of a whole month to celebrate black history.
  
  

Educational Value

• One primary reason for the celebration of the month is that is helps to educate the public about the history of black culture throughout the world. The month often prompts schools to include black history in their curriculums and educational documentaries and movies to be aired on television. The subject of the studies and movies often includes subjects such as the Civil Rights Movement and its leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr., the abolition of slavery and the achievements of Africans serving in the U.S. military. For example, in Montgomery County Maryland, Ridgewood Middle School holds an annual Heritage Night during black history month each year.
  
  

Countering Racism

• Morgan Freeman argues that "black history is American history," when he expressed his opposition to the month.Ryan McVay/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  With the long history of racism in the United States and elsewhere, Black History Month often provides a chance for the promotion of tolerance and equality and to celebrate the progress made in these areas in recent history. Some critics, however, such as actor Morgan Freeman, argue that the month serves to minimize accomplishments blacks have made, asking "Why would you relegate my history to a single month? ...Black history is American history."
  
  

Celebrating Culture

• Jazz shows are held to celebrate Black History MonthJupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
  
  Black History Month also provides an opportunity to remember and celebrate black cultural achievements, such as music, art and film. Jazz shows, for example, are held in the month to recognize the black contributions to the music and its role in the fight for black integration into society. For example, Bohemian Caverns in Washington D.C. hosts a poetry and jazz show to celebrate the month. Art shows are also held to celebrate the month, and libraries have events. For example, the Brooklyn Public Library in New York City honored W.E.B Du Bois during black history month in 2011.