Black History Month has its origins in the work and vision of Carter G. Woodson—a pivotal figure in African American history and founder the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History—now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
Known as the "Father of Black History," Woodson was born in 1875 in New Canton, Virginia, and established the first "Negro History Week" in 1926, aligning it with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both long celebrated in the African-American community, to highlight African American contributions to society. President Gerald Ford expanded Negro History Week to Black History Month in 1976, officially recognizing the significance of African American history and culture. Since the mid-1970s, U.S. presidents have all issued proclamations supporting ASALH's themes.
We'll be offering musical celebrations of African-American culture throughout the month, and beyond, on Blue Lake Public Radio, These include music by such trail-blazers as William Grant Still and Florence Price—and more—on Monday afternoon's on Classical Music with Foley Schuler.
You can hear Foley Schuler's musical selections—and stories behind the music—every weekday afternoon from 1 until 4 on Blue Lake Public Radio.
