Here’s why Black History Month is celebrated in February
Black History Month is celebrated in February to commemorate the rich history and achievements of African-Americans.
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While the administration of President Donald Trump has targeted diversity, equity and inclusion programs and some cultural celebrations, Black History Month is being celebrated in the United States and in Volusia County.
Congresswoman Alma Adams, a North Carolina Democrat and Chairwoman of the Bipartisan Congressional Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus, weighed in on the issue via a statement released Monday.
“The Trump-Vance Administration’s growing attacks on diversity in our federal government, the rebuff of diversity pledges and programs by corporations and institutions of higher education, and the uncertainty of federal funding for HBCUs and other minority serving institutions have left our community and so many others vulnerable to backsliding on the 400 years of progress that we have made,” she said.
She encouraged people to do more than celebrate history.
“We must also stand up and fight to preserve Black History, four hard-won centuries of progress, and our seat at the table for future generations of Black Americans,” she said.
National organizations are hosting virtual events, and there are local programs planned, too.
Here’s a look at what’s happening with Black History Month, events in town and some of the history of the celebration.
Did Trump cancel Black History Month?
No, Trump issued a proclamation declaring February 2025 as National Black History Month. But other events have not been spared.
The Department of Defense announced in a news release on Friday that, under guidance from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, identity months are “dead.”
“Going forward, DoD Components and Military Departments will not use official resources, to include man-hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months, including National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month,” the release says. “Service members and civilians remain permitted to attend these events in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours.”
When is Black History Month?
The event is recognized in February of each year.
Who started the celebration of Black History Month?
Dr. Carter G. Woodson started the event in the second week of February 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, which were already being commemorated by Black Americans, according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Woodson, known as the Father of Black History, founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. He lived from 1875 to 1950 and was the son of former slaves, according to the association.
Woodson was the second African American to get a doctorate from Harvard University.
The event began as Negro History Week. But “Woodson never confined Negro History to a week. His life’s work and the mission of ASALH since its founding in 1915 represent a living testimony to the year-round and year-after-year study of African American history.”
What is the theme for Black History Month 2025?
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s theme this year is “African Americans and Labor.”
Are there Virtual Black History Month events?
Yes. Among other sources, these are a couple of places to find virtual Black History Month events:
What’s planned for Black History Month in Volusia County?
Here are some of the things to do and see this month:
- The city of Daytona Beach has a list of 2025 Black History Icons on its website, where people can learn more about their contributions. The city will also display banners featuring the icons on International Speedway Boulevard from Nova Road to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
- The Melanin Too Rich Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 22 at Daisy Stocking Park at 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. in Daytona Beach. The free event will feature performances, panels, educational exhibits, kids’ activities, food trucks and more.
- The Black Heritage Festival in New Smyrna Beach will be Feb. 22-23 at Pettis Park. The free cultural, art and music festival will feature entertainment, family activities and food vendors.
- The DeLand Regional Library at 130 E. Howry Ave. will host these free events for Black History Month, according to the library’s Facebook page.
- Leslie Kemp Poole, associate professor at Rollins College, will give a presentation about Zora Neale Hurston’s legacy in Florida cities at 1 p.m. on Feb. 12.
- Historian Michael Brown will talk about inventions by African Americans that “have shaped industries and changed lives” at 1 p.m. on Feb. 27.
- Explore African American cultural and historical sites in Volusia County on the Share the Heritage Trail. The Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has a brochure and a map of the trail online.
Where can I find Black-owned businesses in Volusia County?
Get a listing of Black-owned businesses at blackbizvolusia.com.
