HR 1503 Summary

• Indiana General Assembly acknowledges the contributions and accomplishments of Black Americans throughout United States and Indiana history.

• Black History Month has been celebrated annually since 1926, initially as Negro History Week, through efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson.

• Dr. Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History Week to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, who greatly influenced the Black American population.

• Black History Month recognizes Black American achievements in military, arts, civil rights, education, entertainment, history, law, literature, medicine, music, politics, science, sports, and other areas.

• Indiana General Assembly urges entities and organizations to celebrate Black History Month.