Black History Month started as "Negro History Week" in February 1926 as a way to chronicle the accomplishments of African Americans in the aftermath of slavery.

Groups celebrating Black History Month are including this year’s theme of African Americans and Labor as part of their commemorations.

This year's Black History Month theme celebrates the role of Black labor in building the nation through industry or community work.

Black History Month wasn’t always a monthlong celebration. In February 1926, historian and author Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week. It was a weeklong celebration in an effort to teach people about African-American history and the contributions of Black people.

Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds.