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Black History Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide

This guide provides the legislative history, proclamations, and laws related to establishing and designating Black History Month (February).

Introduction

National Black History Month in February celebrates the contributions that Black Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality, and deepens our understanding of our nation's history.

The Law Library of Congress has prepared materials with commentary and recommended resources for selected national observances and commemorative months. This guide provides a brief history of the laws and presidential proclamations that established Black History Month.

Balthazar Korab Studios, Ltd., photographer. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, Michigan. Exterior. 2007. Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division.

For more information on Black History Month see:

About the Law Library of Congress

The Law Library of Congress contains the world’s largest collection of law books and legal resources. It is a repository for the complete record of American law and holds foreign law materials covering all major national, state, and equivalent jurisdictions. In 1832, the Law Library was officially established to provide the United States Congress and Supreme Court with access to current and accurate legal research materials. Over time, our mission was expanded to include other branches of the U.S. Government, the public, and the global legal community. This evolving mission is supported by a collection of around three million volumes and brings together the expertise of approximately 100 lawyers, librarians, other professionals, and support staff who provide legal reference, research, and analysis using the Law Library’s collection. We also draw upon the collections and expertise of our colleagues throughout the Library of Congress.