The origins of designating February as Black History Month dates back to 1926. The father of this commemorative period was Dr. Carter G. Woodson one of the pioneers of the study of black history in America.

Woodson, the son of former slaves, grew up poor. Although his early education was largely "self taught," he eventually became the second African-American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University.

As a historian, Woodson believed that history had value beyond being a chronicle of important events and dates: "Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history."

To rectify the lack of information on blacks in works on American history, he created Black History Week in 1926. In 1960 the week became a month.

There are many useful sites on the internet for learning about black history, including:

Florida's Black Heritage Trail, from the Florida Division of Historical Resources.

Our Shared History: African-American Heritage, from the National Park Service.

Black History Month, from Infoplease.

Florida's Black History, by G. K. Sharman.

In Broward County there are several black history sites that are open to the public, including the:

Ely Educational Museum, 595 NW 15th Street, Pompano Beach.
(954) 781-2256.

Old Dillard Museum, 1009 NW 4th Street, Fort Lauderdale.
(954) 765-6952

African-American Research Library & Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
(954) 625-2800.

The Pompano Beach Historical Society is seeking to expand its knowledge of local black history. If you have documents or photographs relating to this part of our past, please contact us at (954) 782-3015.