This February marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, honoring a century of recognizing Black history, culture, and contributions in the United States. The 2025 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” highlights the evolution of Carter G. Woodson’s vision from Negro History Week into a lasting national observance.
This February is a special one, as it marks the 100th anniversary of celebrating Black history, culture, and contributions in the United States.
Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) selects a theme for Black History Month. The theme helps focus the public's attention. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that warrant emphasis.
This year’s theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” emphasizes the significant achievement represented by a century of dedicated Black history commemorations. The theme honors how Carter G. Woodson’s concept of “Negro History Week” has evolved from a week-long observance to become an annual, month-long, sustained movement to study, teach, and spread the word about Black history.
Visit asalh.org/black-history-themes and blackhistory100.org for more info on this year’s theme.