What Is The History Behind Black History Month?

2. Woodson's "Negro History Week" Garnered National Support

Despite the fact that the national attitude toward African-Americans was still somewhat hostile, Woodson's idea was eventually met with support. The first Negro History Week received a passive but cooperative attitude from several states and a handful of cities. By 1929, however, teachers, educators, and churches were all giving attention to the event, distributing literature and gaining the media's attention. Progressive white people also supported the movement, following the in the footsteps of abolitionist white people in the 19th century, as mayors of cities and towns across the country declaring it a local holiday.