Celebrate Black History Month in Portsmouth
Celebrate Black History Month throughout February.
Black History Month is celebrated in the U.S. throughout the month of February. American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week to commemorate the contributions that people of African descent have made to our nation. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for the celebration to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and editor Frederick Douglass. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month. Each year, U.S. presidents declare February National African-American History Month. Portsmouth is home to a memorial, which honors Rhode Island's First Regiment, the first black slaves and …
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