Origins of Black History Month
Black History Month was founded by the historian Carter G. Woodson, PhD.
Woodson, the son of formerly enslaved people (Anne Eliza Riddle Woodson and James Henry Woodson), worked as a coal miner while pursuing his education, culminating in becoming the second African American to earn a PhD from Harvard. In 1912, Woodson launched the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) to create educational curricula and share the achievements of African Americans.
In 1926, Woodson started Negro History Week to share Black history and celebrate both culture and accomplishments. The weeklong celebration expanded to a month in 1976 and continues to be a time to reflect on the contributions Black people have made to the world. It is also a time — as is every month of the year — to focus on the impact of systemic, structural and institutional racism and the continued need for social justice.
National Theme of Black History Month
The 2025 national theme is African Americans and Labor. The theme recognizes African Americans’ relationship with labor and how the workplace has shaped Black history, culture and identity. This encompasses free and unfree work, formal and informal employment, and labor organizing throughout history. Historical and current work realities contribute to the lived experiences of Black individuals. This examination is even more important today, as racial inequities persist and take new forms in the 21st century workplace.
Black History Month at UW Medicine
UW Medicine’s Black History Month Flag Raising will take place on Jan. 31 at noon on all hospital campuses.
Each year during Black History Month, UW Medicine is proud to highlight the accomplishments and experiences Black employees. Read 2024, 2023 and 2022 Huddle Black History Month employee features.
UW Medicine continues to address policies and practices to improve healthcare equity. UW Medicine’s Office of Healthcare Equity offers regular events, talks and training. The office also sponsors affinity groups open to all, including the UW Medicine Black Affinity Group.
Digital Assets and Posters
Email signature
Celebrate Black History Month and support colleagues by adding an icon to your email signature. The graphic depicts the colors of the Pan-African flag, a symbol of Black liberation in the United States. Visit the UW Medicine brand site to download the signature. If you need instructions on how to add an email signature, visit the Microsoft Office support page.
Zoom background
Visit the UW Medicine brand site to download the background.
Poster
Download a PDF of the poster.
Resources
- Learn more about the founder of Black History Month, Carter G. Woodson, and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
- Read more about Black History Month and why it’s celebrated in February.
- Sign up for 28 Days of Black History; you’ll receive an email every day with inspiring stories, questions to consider and actions to take.
- Read books related to Black History Month by Black authors; here’s just a small glimpse at the many books by Black writers.
- Take a look at this Anti-Racist reading list curated by Ibram X. Kendi, author of “How to be an Antiracist.”
- Listen to NPR’s Black Voices in American Music playlist.
- Listen to one of the many podcasts that explore Black history: Code Switch, The Tuskegee Experiment Whistleblowers, 1619.
- Learn about Seattle’s Black history or visit the Northwest African American Museum.
- Support Black-owned local businesses such as those found on Seattle Good or in the Intentionalist.
- Read uplifting LGBTQ History on Blackpast.
Support for Black community members
While a time for celebration, the deluge of potentially traumatic stories shared in the media during Black History Month can also be triggering and exhausting within the Black community. This is an important time to remember to practice self-care. Below are some resources.
