Honoring Black History Month — A Chicago Legacy

Honoring Black History Month — A Chicago Legacy

As we celebrate Black History Month, we pause not only to honor history, but to understand it.

The origins of Black History Month date back to 1915 in Chicago. Dr. Carter G. Woodson traveled to the city to participate in the Lincoln Jubilee, a major celebration marking fifty years since emancipation. Thousands gathered to highlight the progress African Americans had made since slavery. Inspired by the overwhelming response, Woodson recognized the need for a structured effort to study and promote Black history.

That same year, in Chicago, he founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) — now known as ASALH. In 1926, the organization launched Negro History Week, choosing the second week of February to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass — dates already honored in Black communities. Woodson believed that history was not just about great individuals, but about the countless Black men and women whose contributions shaped civilization.

Over time, what began as a week grew into a month. In 1976, during the nation’s Bicentennial, President Gerald Ford formally recognized Black History Month and encouraged Americans to honor the “too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Black History Month was born from a belief that understanding our history is essential to survival, dignity, and progress. Woodson once argued that if a people have no history, they risk becoming invisible in the larger story of the nation. His work ensured that would not happen.

For the Jerome Burke Foundation, this history is deeply personal.

We serve the Chicagoland area — the very city where this movement began. Jerome Burke was raised here. Our foundation stands on the same ground where Dr. Woodson laid the foundation for organized Black historical study. That connection is not accidental. It reminds us that Chicago has long been a center for Black intellectual growth, leadership, and advancement.

Our mission — to improve economic opportunities for African American men through scholarship, mentoring, and entrepreneurial support — is a continuation of that legacy.

Black History Month matters because it reinforces why our work is necessary.

For African American males in particular, history has not always been presented as empowering. Too often, narratives have focused on limitation rather than leadership. When young men learn about inventors, scholars, business leaders, activists, soldiers, and community builders who look like them, it reshapes what feels possible.

History builds identity.

Identity builds confidence.

Confidence fuels action.

When our mentees understand that they are part of a long tradition of resilience and excellence, they begin to see themselves differently. They see themselves not just as participants in history, but as contributors to it.

This is why Black History Month aligns so closely with our theme for 2026 — Dream. Dare. Do.

We dream because those before us dreamed beyond their circumstances.

We dare because they dared to challenge injustice and expectation.

We do because progress has always required action.

As we honor Black History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to building the next generation of African American male leaders right here in Chicago.

History is not just something we remember. It is something we continue.

With purpose and gratitude,

Salena Burke

President

Jerome Burke Foundation