For four decades, the USA has officially celebrated Black History Month, but efforts to honor African American history in February go back a century.

Celebrating Black History in February and all year long is fundamental, writes. Black History is American History.

Black History Month was recognized nationally in 1976, when President Gerald Ford designated the month as a time for the public to honor the contributions of Black Americans, according to the museum. The month has since inspired other groups and an appreciation of multicultural backgrounds.