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During the 1920s, Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week, a period in February chosen because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, it was expanded to include the entire month of February.

This year, FOX 5 honors African Americans whose important contributions helped break down the barriers of segregation and inspired others to follow.

Watch and read their stories below, and learn more about Black History at:

MLK in Memphis: A View from the Mountaintop
University of Washington Libraries: African American History
Black History Links and Resources

  • 2010 Honorees
Origins of Black History Month

Black History Month is a national annual observance for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.

Thurgood Marshall

The great-grandson of a slave and the son of a dining car waiter and a schoolteacher, Thurgood Marshall (July 2, 1908-Jan. 24, 1993) was the first

The Red Ball Express

Ralph Johnson Bunche (Aug. 7, 1903 – Dec. 9, 1971) was an American political scientist and diplomat, and the first African American to receive the Nobel Peace

Guion Bluford

Guion Bluford (born Nov. 22, 1942) was the first African-American to go into space when he participated as a crew member of Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983.

Jackie Robinson

Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson (Jan. 31, 1919-Oct. 24, 1972) was the first African-American player in Major League Baseball's modern era.

Bill Russell

Bill Russell (born Feb. 12, 1934) was the cornerstone of the Boston dynasty of the 1960s, bringing the storied Celtics 11 championships in his 13 seasons,

    • Local Stories
    Notable Names in Music Notable Names in Music

    Here are a list some of the most memorable African-American names in music.

    Black History Month Fun Facts Black History Month Fun Facts

    Here are a list of interesting facts in African-American history.

    Metro Atlanta Black History Events Metro Atlanta Black History Events

    Here are a list of events taking place around Metro Atlanta during the month of …

    PHOTOS: Moments in Black History PHOTOS: Moments in Black History

    Click here to see photos from FOX 5's Black History coverage.

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