The Bangor School Department is proud to join our nation in honoring Black History Month. The nationally recognized month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role that they play in the story of the United States. 

Founded by Carter G. Woodson, an American historian, Black History Week was first celebrated on February 12, 1926, to commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent. The date coincided with the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.  

During the U.S. bicentennial in 1976, Black History Week was expanded to a month-long celebration. Since then, U.S. presidents have designated February as National African-American History Month. 

We champion this month as an additional opportunity to educate our students about the triumph of Black history and contributions in every aspect of American life. Additionally this month serves as a reminder for the unfinished work of achieving racial equity within public education. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”