Black History Month had its origins in the United States and was the idea of African American Scholar and educator; Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson was one of the earliest Black Americans to receive a Ph.D. from Havard University. In 1922 at the age of 47, he gave up his distinguished career as a university professor to dedicate himself to research and writing on the African American experience.

Dr. Woodson argued that the African American experience was a worthy subject of study. He also called for a time when the "hidden history and culture" of American peoples could be celebrated. In 1926, Dr. Woodson declared Black History Week. February was chosen for this week because of the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. In the 1970's this call became entrenched as several Black organizations and community leaders have banded together to promote the concept of Black History Month.

In the 1950's the Canadian Negro Women's Association brought the celebration to Toronto, Ontario. By 1978, Ontario Black History Society successfully petitioned the City of Toronto to have the monthly celebration formally recognized. This celebration is currently proclaimed across Canada.