National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington, DC

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Black History Month - Roots of freedom

Today, the United States begins an annual, monthlong celebration of African Americans and their contributions to the country's history and culture. The forerunner of Black History Month was created in 1926 by historian Carter Woodson and minister Jesse Moorland to study and promote the legacy of Black Americans. The weeklong celebration was observed in the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Its popularity grew over the next 50 years in large part because of the civil rights movement, and President Gerald Ford expanded it to a full month in 1976. Other countries honor their own Black histories, including Canada, which also celebrates Black History Month throughout February.

Seen in today's image, the National Museum of African American History & Culture is an excellent resource to learn about African American pioneers. Part of the Smithsonian Institution and found on the National Mall in Washington, DC, the museum was opened in a 2016 ceremony led by President Barack Obama. It's the world's largest African American museum with more than 40,000 artifacts and offers free daily admission with online reservations.