February has been officially recognized as Black History Month in our country since 1976, when President Gerald Ford called upon Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
The idea for Black History Month actually started in 1926, when the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) began sponsoring a national “Negro History Week.” This event, which coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, was the impetus for communities and schools all across the country to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans in the full spectrum of our nation’s life.
In the spirit of Black History Month, DLBA invites you to discover and support Black-owned businesses in Downtown, not just during the month of February but throughout the year! Use our interactive map to learn about the diverse services and shopping opportunities provided by Downtown’s Black-owned businesses.