The issue of race in America has always been a sensitive topic, with recent events including the murder of George Floyd in 2020 casting a renewed spotlight on the struggles of being black in the United States.
With this in mind, observances such as Black History Month take on renewed importance as they help highlight the important contributions and historical events made by the African diaspora across not only the United States but also in countries such as Canada and the U.K.
The origins of Black History Month
The roots of Black History Month can be traced back to 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson along with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), started what was called the Negro History Week. The association is now known as the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
The first edition of the African American History Week was also designed to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and Frederick Douglas, two prominent names in the black community, even in modern times.
The aim of this was to showcase the contributions of Black history, and while it faced a lukewarm reception initially eventually evolved into what is now known as Black History Month.
The first known celebration of Black History Month occurred between January 2 and February 28, 1970, and was officially recognized by then-President Gerald Ford in 1976.
From here, Black History Month began spreading to other countries including the U.K. in 1987, Germany in 1990, Canada in 1995, the Republic of Ireland in 2010, France in 2018, and finally, Africa in 2020 with seven countries, Benin, Burkina Faso, Tschad, Ivory Coast, Comores, Senegal, and Cameroon are observing the event.
Important Colors
There are four primary colors that dominate Black History Month. These colors are meant to offer individuals and groups the chance to show both their solidarity and pride by paying homage and honoring the achievements and history of African Americans.
The four main colors used to champion the observance are:
- Black, which represents resilience;
- Red, which is meant to symbolize the blood of innocent Black lives shed throughout history;
- Yellow, which is meant to convey optimism, justice, and equality;
- Green, which is used to symbolize Africa's rich greenery and other natural resources.
FAQs
Black History Month uses four colors—black, red, green and yellow—to symbolize unity and pride. Each of the four colors has its own distinct meaning and significance.
What are the colors of the black community? ›
Red symbolizes the blood of the people that is shed in the ongoing struggle for Black liberation. Black represents the people of Black African ancestry. Green represents the abundance and resilience of the Black community, and the vibrant natural wealth of Africa, according to an article on Colorado Public Radio.
What are the 4 colors of Black History Month? ›
The four colours that are used for Black History Month are black, red, yellow and green. Black represents resilience, red denotes blood, yellow is optimism and justice, and green symbolises rich greenery.
What colors do you wear for Black History Month? ›
The official colors of Black History Month are black, red, yellow, and green, which symbolize unity and pride. The colors are derived from the Ethiopian flag and the Pan-African flag, which was created in 1920 to represent the unity of the African diaspora and Black liberation in the US.
What color flag is Black History Month? ›
Have you ever wondered why we see flags of red, black and green during Black History Month? The main BHM flag is the Pan-African flag created in 1920 by Marcus Garvey. The flag is known by many names. Marcus Garvey Flag.
What is the 3 color code for black? ›
Information about Black / #000000
In a RGB color space (made from three colored lights for red, green, and blue), hex #000000 is made of 0% red, 0% green and 0% blue.
What are the 4 African colors? ›
The flag's design is taken from the flag of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, while the Pan-African colours of yellow, green, red and black are taken from the flag of Ghana.
What are the unity colors for Black History Month? ›
Red: Symbolizes the blood that unites people of African ancestry and their struggles for liberation. Black: Represents the black people and their rich heritage. Green: Symbolizes the lushness of the African continent and the hope for a better future.
What are the colors for Black History Month 2024? ›
Day of Unity - Wear Red, Yellow, or Green
Red stands for the blood uniting all black people around the world and that has been lost to enslavement, colonization and systemic violence, black honors black skin and indicates strength, and green represents the abundance of Africa's vegetation.
What colors represent African culture? ›
The Pan-African flag bears black, green, yellow, and red, symbolizing Africa's unity and diverse strengths. Black signifies both the continent's history of adversity and the resilience of its people. Green represents the fertile and expansive land of Africa.
Black History Month Symbols and Legend
- Joy braided into hair.
- Basquiat crown.
- Doctor bird.
- Hogan's Alley brooch.
- Adinkra symbol mpuannum.
- Kente cloth pattern.
- Adinkra symbol fawohodie.
- Legacy pendant.
Black people's association with watermelon dates back to the US abolition of slavery. After emancipation, many Black people grew the fruits and sold them, and they became symbols of their freedom.
Why is Black History Month colors red green and black? ›
According to a book published by the UNIA, 'Red is the colour of the blood which men must shed for their redemption and liberty; black is the colour of the noble and distinguished race to which we belong; green is the colour of the luxuriant vegetation of our Motherland. '
What is the black flag with colors? ›
The Pan-African flag (also known as the Afro-American flag, Black Liberation flag, UNIA flag, and various other names) is an ethnic flag representing pan-Africanism, the African diaspora, and/or black nationalism. A tri-color flag, it consists of three equal horizontal bands of (from top down) red, black, and green.
What is a black blue black flag? ›
These flags represent Law enforcement agencies and fallen officers. Some believe that the thin blue line flag's black background is a solemn reminder of all the officers lost in the line of duty and the blue line represent law enforcement which is the barrier between civilized citizenship and social chaos.
What colors are Afrocentric? ›
Incorporating the Afrocentric Aesthetic in Your Home
There are a few different color palettes that people can choose from, including classic black and white, darker colors like browns and charcoals, lighter, more warm shades like tans and yellows, earthy tones or pops of hues like reds and bright yellows.
What are the color values for black? ›
#000000 color RGB value is (0,0,0). This hex color code is also a web safe color which is equal to #000. #000000 color name is Black color. #000000 hex color red value is 0, green value is 0 and the blue value of its RGB is 0.
What is the color association of black? ›
Black has a wide range of associations. It can be linked with death, mourning, evil magic, and darkness, but it can also symbolize elegance, wealth, restraint, and power.
