Why is Black History Month celebrated in America?

Carter G. Woodson was troubled by the content of history books in the United States. Born in Virginia in 1875, Woodson's formal education -- which culminated with a doctorate from Harvard University -- never included the contributions of African-Americans. It was clear that textbook writers were making selective and prejudicial choices when it came to filling the volumes.

The question for Woodson was clear, "Why DON'T we celebrate Black History?"

Of course, Woodson was not content to allow the question to remain unanswered. His life's work became evident and it was to ensure that black Americans had their place in this country's history. In 1915 -- three years after becoming the second African-American to earn a Harvard doctorate -- Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. The next year he established the Journal of Negro History. And he wasn't done.

In 1926, he launched Negro History Week as an initiative to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history. Woodson -- generally recognized as "The Father of Negro History" -- chose the second week of February for the celebration.

Why is Black History Month celebrated in February?

Woodson thought it was a perfect time to have such a celebration -- to honor the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln (1809) and Frederick Douglass (1818).

It was also the same month that:
• NAACP co-founder and fellow Harvard graduate W.E.B. DuBois was born (1868)
• The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote (1870)
• The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels, took his oath of office (1870)
• The NAACP was founded by a group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City (1909)

More than a decade after Woodson passed away at the age of 75, his Negro History Week became Black History Month.

Why does the Ivy League celebrate Black History Month?

The Ivy League has a long and proud tradition in athletics and education. We celebrate Black History Month for those whom have brought distinction to the eight institutions, through athletics, to government services, to literary accomplishment. From scientific and innovation landmarks, to arts and entertainment.

There are so many people who have passed through Ivy League halls before writing their own chapter of Black History, it is tough to list them all. While we will work to bring you the stories of Ivy League athletes, keep in mind that African-American forerunners and groundbreakers like Edward Alexander Bouchet, Ralph Bunche, Kenneth Clark, Countee Cullen, Charles Drew, W.E.B. DuBois, John Hope Franklin, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Archibald Henry Grimké, Leon Higginbotham, Anita Hill, Charles Hamilton Houston, Mae C. Jemison, James Weldon Johnson, Percy Lavon Julian, Ernest Everett Just, Alan Keyes, Sir Arthur Lewis, Alain Locke, Toni Morrison, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Paul Robeson, Joel Elias Spingarn, Cornel West, Carter G. Woodson and Roger Arliner Young, all studied at Ivy institutions.

But we highlight both the rich history of African-Americans' achievements in Ivy League athletics and the diverse contributions which these graduates have made to their institutions, their communities, and the nation at large. The main components that will serve as a mechanism to display African-American contributions to this conference will be a historical timeline and feature stories on a host of unique individuals who have broke barriers, have attained significant academic and athletic success, or have touched the hearts of many through their determination and will to make a difference. A new segment this year will include interviews with both current and former Ivy athletes.

For whom is "The Ivy League Athletics' Black History Celebration" intended?

Obviously, this project is intended for all interested parties -- but this year it was especially structured as an educational tool for young people, particularly young African-Americans. We proudly present the thoughts of our student-athletes, both past and present, who have achieved at a very high level. While the present student-athletes are still pursuing their studies, they can also serve to teach those who will follow. We strongly believe that they can serve as role models.

The 2000 U.S. Census reported that 81 percent of African-American children, ages six through 17, had access to a computer either at home or in school. That number has since risen and we think that our online celebration is the very best way to reach the audience we intend.

We have made a strong effort to get the word out about this project to educators throughout the country, but we also ask for your assistance. If you know a teacher, coach or a young person who may value or benefit from the presentation, please send them a link to the site. We have even established a "Black History Month" postcard that can help you get the word out. Simply click on "Ivy League Postcards" from the menu bar on the frontpage of the Ivy website and select "Ivy League" on the pull down menu. You will see the Black History Month postcard. Click on that postcard and follow the online instructions.

Who is responsible for "The Ivy League Athletics' Black History Celebration"?

"Ivy League Athletics' Black History Celebration" -- originally developed in 1998 under the direction of Jeff Orleans and Chuck Yrigoyen -- and has been updated and expanded annually. While current Ivy Public Information Assistant Kevin Anderson oversaw the project this year, we acknowledge the former public information assistants who devoted numerous hours to bring this celebration to the point it is today -- Jennifer Enke, Sherryta Freeman, Christian Green, Erica Hurtt and Dan Rosenthal.

-- Brett Hoover, Jan. 11, 2003