Each year, Americans observe National Black History Month in February to pay tribute to the generations of Black Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.
The theme for 2022, “Black Health and Wellness,” pays homage to medical scholars and health care providers, with special emphasis on healthcare access and improving wellness.
USDA is proud to celebrate Black History Month with the communities across the country with whom we work. Some of the most dramatic and impactful results brought to American society were made possible by Black scientists, foresters, farmers, conservationists, and other Black Americans who were employed or collaborated with USDA.
Black History Month is also a time to call attention to the fact that the fight for equality—which began centuries ago and continues to this day—is ongoing for Black Americans. USDA is committed to ensuring equity across the Department, removing barriers to access, and building a workforce more representative of America. In the months ahead, USDA will worker harder to advance racial justice and equity across our Department.
Background
To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month. Each year, U.S. presidents proclaim February as National Black History Month.
Did You Know?
- 46.9 million - the black population, either alone or in combination with one or more races, in the United States in 2020.
- 3.2 million - the number of Black civilian military veterans in the United States nationwide in 2019.
- 134,567 - the number of Black-owned employer businesses in the U.S. in 2019.
Please support the many activities taking place around the Nation in commemoration of National Black History Month and the many contributions African Americans have made to the United States.
More Information
- Presidential Proclamation for 2022 Black History Month
- National African American History Month
- Black History Month: A Black Family’s Land Legacy Motivates a Committed Conservation Leader - Farmers.gov Blog - 23 Feb. 2022
- How Black American Contributions Have Helped Shape the American Cultural Mosaic - Farmers.gov Blog - 2 Feb. 2022
- 2022 Black History Month Virtual Festival
- US Census National African American History Month Facts for Features
- Celebrating Black History Month - National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Dr. George Washington Carver - National Agricultural Library Digital Exhibit
- The story behind Black History Month - and why it's celebrated in February - PBS.org
- Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)
Contacts
- Caribbean Area Black Special Emphasis Program Manager, Jovane Román, 787-831-3416 x. 102
- Caribbean Area Civil Rights Advisory Committee Chair, Michelle Catoni, 787-896-3565 x.105
- National Black Special Emphasis Program Manager, Travis Watkins, 717-237-2147