The history behind Black History Month
History.com explains that “Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.” The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” which was begun by noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other Blacks.
What became Black History Month began in 1915, 50 years after the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery in the United States.
Willard S. Townsend was born 126 years ago tomorrow (December 4, 1895), in Cincinnati, Ohio. During and after high school, Townsend worked in the Cincinnati Union Terminal as a “red cap.” A red cap is a baggage porter at railway stations. Red cap positions were predominantly held by Blacks well into the 1950s.
World War I began in Europe in August 1914; Townsend joined the U.S. Army in 1916. He served as a lieutenant in France in the 372nd Infantry Regiment. After returning from the war,...