In 1915, Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). The mission of the ASNLH was to promote a fuller and more accurate account of African American history, culture, and contributions to society. In 1926, Woodson established Negro History Week to raise awareness of and inspire an appreciation for African American heritage and achievements. The date of February 7 for the start of the week was also the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln as well as Frederick Douglass. Both Douglass and Lincoln have had profound effects on civil rights within the black community.
Negro History Week was first celebrated in 1926 and was expanded to a year-long observance known as Black History Month.