Join us in recognizing and honoring the contributions, achievements, and resilience of African Americans during this important month of appreciation.
Get ready to celebrate the rich culture and contributions of African Americans during African American Appreciation Month, which takes place every June 1. This month-long celebration has its roots in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and is a time to honor and recognize the achievements of African Americans throughout history. From music and art to literature and science, African Americans have made significant impacts in all aspects of society. So let's come together to appreciate, learn from, and celebrate this vibrant community during this special month!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1926</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Black History Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>Carter G. Woodson initiates Negro History Week, which later inspired the modern African American Appreciation Month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were landmark legislations marking significant triumphs in the struggle for African American civil rights.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of Black History Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The US government officially recognized February as Black History Month, expanding upon Woodson's Negro History Week.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of African American Appreciation Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>African American Appreciation Month is introduced in June, celebrating African American achievements, culture, and history distinctively.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growing Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>African American Appreciation Month events start being celebrated nationwide, including festivals, speeches, film screenings, and exhibitions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First African American President</div><div class='timeline-text'>Barack Obama, the first African American President, gives a presidential proclamation highlighting the importance of the month.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local events calendar for any African American cultural festivals happening during the month. Attend and immerse yourself in the food, music, and traditions of this vibrant culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read a book by an African American author</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Expand your knowledge and understanding by reading literature written by African American authors. You can also join a book club or start one with friends to discuss and celebrate these works.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a lecture or workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many organizations and universities host lectures and workshops during African American Appreciation Month. Attend one to learn more about the history, contributions, and current issues faced by the African American community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a historical site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a significant historical site related to African American history, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. or the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support black-owned businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use this month as an opportunity to support and uplift black-owned businesses in your community. This can be through shopping at their stores or dining at their restaurants, or even just spreading the word about their services.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the contributions and achievements of African Americans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>African American Appreciation Month is an important time to recognize the accomplishments and positive impact that black individuals have had on society throughout history. It's a chance to honor their diverse talents, skills, and cultural influences that have shaped our world in countless ways.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about the struggles and challenges faced by African Americans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>African American Appreciation Month also serves as an opportunity to bring attention to the ongoing fight for racial equality and justice. By acknowledging the injustices and hardships faced by African Americans, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and fair society for all.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes diversity and inclusivity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating African American Appreciation Month encourages people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate the rich diversity within our communities. It's a time to appreciate different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and to embrace inclusivity and understanding.</p></div></div>
African American Appreciation Month is celebrated on June 1 every year. In 2024 it will fall on a Saturday.
2023
Jun 1
Thursday
2024
Jun 1
Saturday
2025
Jun 1
Sunday
2026
Jun 1
Monday
2027
Jun 1
Tuesday