We are a nation of change makers, a nation of those who stand for equality and freedom. And each February during Black History Month, we honor the Black Americans who came before us and still serve, standing for their dreams and rights and making a difference for us all.
Originally founded as "Negro History Week" in 1926 by Black American historian and author Carter G. Woodson, it recognized the contributions of Black Americans to the country and fostered a better understanding of the Black American experience.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford issued the first African-American History Month proclamation, calling upon the American people to celebrate the event each February.
Since 1986 "National Black (Afro-American) History Month" has lived as a time set aside by law to recognize the contributions of Blacks to our nation.
Military.com stands to celebrate and honor the Black experience and sacrifice. See the videos and features below and help celebrate with us.
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![Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., pictured here serving as a fighter pilot with a P-51 during the Korea.War, in 1975 because the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general and died shortly after his retirement in 1978. His son, Daniel James III, also served in the Air Force and Air National Guard rising to the rank of lieutenant general, and becoming the first African-American to take command as director of the Air National Guard before retiring in 2006. (U.S. Air Force)](http://images04.military.com/sites/default/files/2018-02/daniel-chappie-james-jr-1800x1200.jpg "Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., pictured here serving as a fighter pilot with a P-51 during the Korea.War, in 1975 because the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general and died shortly after his retirement in 1978. His son, Daniel James III, also served in the Air Force and Air National Guard rising to the rank of lieutenant general, and becoming the first African-American to take command as director of the Air National Guard before retiring in 2006. (U.S. Air Force)")
![](http://images02.military.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2018-01/african_american_military_heroes_1200x800.jpg?itok=oDEnoY4v "The 369th Infantry Regiment served on the front lines for 191 days during World War I, longer than any other American unit. In that time, the soldiers of the regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," never gave up any ground they captured. (Photo Credit: National Archives)")
![Cpl. Alvin "Tony" Ghazlo, the senior bayonet and unarmed combat instructor at Montford Point, demonstrates a disarming technique on his assistant, Private Ernest "Judo" Jones. (U.S. Marine Corps)](http://images05.military.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/media/people/2016/01/montford-point-marines-2.jpg?itok=MC3NOiWq "Cpl. Alvin "Tony" Ghazlo, the senior bayonet and unarmed combat instructor at Montford Point, demonstrates a disarming technique on his assistant, Private Ernest "Judo" Jones. (U.S. Marine Corps)")
