February is Black History Month, an annual tribute to generations of African Americans whose invaluable contributions to this country were achieved in the face of tremendous adversity. Originally a week-long observance created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, the event was celebrated in February to acknowledge the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, the celebration was expanded to a month by President Gerald R. Ford, who urged Americans to: “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans.” In a 2016 speech, President Obama said: "Black History Month…is about taking an unvarnished look at the past so we can create a better future. It’s a reminder of where we as a country have been so that we know where we need to go." The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) declared that the celebration’s theme for 2022 is “Black Health and Wellness;” click here to learn more. Click on the book jackets below to be taken to catalog links.