The story of Black History Month begins with historian Carter G. Woodson. Woodson's passion about black history evolved in the most unlikely place. While working at a coal mine, the daily conversation of the black Civil War veterans often focused on interesting historical facts not recorded in history books. Woodson realized that despite the constantly evolving history of the African American experience, documentation was sparse. Woodson’s enthusiasm led him to college where he earned a bachelor degree in European history and a Ph.D. in history.

In 1925, Carter G. Woodson, began campaigning among schools, journals and black newspapers calling for a 'Negro History Week' to be celebrated. This would honor the importance of black achievement and contribution in the United States. He was able to institute this 'Negro History Week' in 1926 during the second week of February. This time was chosen because Abraham Lincoln's and Frederick Douglass' birthdays occurred then. Woodson was awarded the Springarn Medal from the NAACP for his accomplishment. In 1976, Negro History Week turned into Black History Month. In 2000, President Clinton proclaimed February as National African American History Month.

Due to Woodson's everlasting contribution to destroying historical racial stereotypes and to reestablishing human dignity to people of African descent, he has earned the well-deserved title of the Father of Black history.