Black History is celebrated every month somewhere around the world.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, February 1, 2022) – The Most Influential People of African Descent
(MIPAD), a global civil society organization recognizing people of African Descent in support of the United
Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, is working to connect Black History Month in
the United States to global celebrations of Black History. Directly addressing the complaint that Black
History Month in the United States is held during the shortest month of the year.
“When you take a global worldview, you discover every month of the year, someone – somewhere is
learning and celebrating Black History; not just in February,” said Kamil Olufowobi – CEO, MIPAD. “Black History Month in the United States is a dynamic time, but our history cannot be contained in a month. We invite our brothers and sisters in the United States to join other global celebrations of Black History throughout the year.”
What began as a week-long celebration led by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®) officially became Black History Month in 1986 via a Joint Resolution of Congress and
subsequent Presidential Proclamation. The celebration centered on the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and
Frederick Douglass in the month of February.
Olufowobi continued, “Carter G. Woodson, ASALH® and many others fought hard for official recognition of Black History Month in the United States. However, every year – along with the celebratory events –comes the question: Why is Black History given the shortest month of the year?” Yes, let’s celebrate everyday in February. Let’s also join the Global African Diaspora in celebrating Black History every month of the year.”
Black History Month is celebrated in the following places around the world each calendar year:
January 24th – UNESCO World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture
February – United States, Canada, Germany
March – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
April – Honduras
May – Colombia, Panama, African Union (Africa Day)
June – Peru, China (Beijing Africa Week), United Kingdom (Windrush Day), United States (Juneteenth)
July – Australia
August – Costa Rica
September – International Decade for People of African Descent at United Nations General Assembly
October – United Kingdom, Netherlands
November – Argentina, Brazil
December –Kwanza
EMBARGOED UNTIL FEBRUARY 1, 2022 at 9:00am EST
In the month of February, MIPAD will share thoughts on Black History Month from members of the
African Diaspora around the world. After February, MIPAD will share Black History celebrations around
the world with unique touchpoints to the United States. These opportunities will be shared via the
MIPAD Blog, social media channels, and media partners.
During the 2022 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) MIPAD will share how Black History is
celebrated around the world with UNGA attendees.
International Decade for People of African Descent Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/237 and to be observed from 2015 to 2024, the International Decade for People of African Descent celebrates the important contributions of people of African descent worldwide in line with the Sustainable Development Goals spearheaded by the United Nations.
MIPAD is the United Nations designated organization to recognize and celebrate people of African
Descent during the International Decade for People of African Descent. Each year, MIPAD identifies high
achievers of African descent in public and private sectors from all around the world. Past honorees span
media, government, sports, tech, non-profit, and business. These MIPAD Honorees gather for a week-long
training and networking conference coinciding with UNGA.
Visit https://www.mipad.org/ to learn more about MIPAD, nominate 2022 MIPAD Honorees, and learn
how to connect with global celebrations of Black History.
ABOUT MIPAD (@MIPAD100)
The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) a global civil society initiative in support of the
implementation for the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) as proclaimed by the
United Nations (General Assembly resolution 68/237) be observed from the years 2015 till 2024 in-line
with three pillars: RECOGNITION, JUSTICE, DEVELOPMENT. MIPAD releases a unique global 100 list that
identifies high achievers of African descent worldwide.
To learn more about this global list, please visit mipad.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn at @MIPAD100
MIPAD’s Global Most Influential 100 Publications 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017
