February 7
Negro History Week First Celebrated
On February 7, 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson launched the first Negro History Week, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This celebration eventually expanded into Black History Month in 1976.
Carter G. Woodson Creates Negro History Week
In February 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week, choosing February because it contained the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, it was expanded to Black History Month during the nation's bicentennial.
Eubie Blake Born
James Hubert "Eubie" Blake was born on February 7, 1887, in Baltimore, Maryland. He became a legendary ragtime and jazz pianist and composer whose career spanned nearly a century, co-creating the groundbreaking 1921 Broadway musical "Shuffle Along."
Founding of the Black Nurses Association
The Black Nurses Association is established to support African American nurses.
Founding of the National Black Nurses Association
The National Black Nurses Association is established to advocate for African American nurses.