Black History Month was recognized nationally in 1976, when President Gerald Ford designated the month as a time for the public to honor the contributions of Black Americans, according to the museum. The month has since inspired other groups and an appreciation of multicultural backgrounds.

Black History Month wasn’t always a monthlong celebration. In February 1926, historian and author Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week. It was a weeklong celebration in an effort to teach people about African-American history and the contributions of Black people.

On Feb. 3 McMaster University will launch its Black History Month activities under the theme — Diasporic Dreams: Reclaiming Pasts, Shaping the Present, Crafting Futures. The launch will be held at MUSC Atrium from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

President Donald Trump has issued multiple executive orders attacking diversity, equity and inclusion and baselessly suggested diversity hiring could have caused the Washington, D.C. plane and helicopter collision.

Maryland political leaders stepped up their support Saturday for Black History Month in the midst of an onslaught of attacks on diversity initiatives by President Donald Trump. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore,

In a strikingly muted acknowledgment that contrasts sharply with his previous proclamations, President Donald Trump marked Black History Month by expressing his “honor” in celebrating the contributions of Black Americans.