Why is Black History Month in February? How do you celebrate? Everything you need to know. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY How Black History Month began and how it has changed to what it is today Replay Video UP NEXT February marks the start of Black History Month, a federally recognized celebration of the contributions African Americans have made to this country and a time to reflect on the continued struggle for racial justice. Black History Month has become one of the most celebrated cultural heritage months on the calendar, said LaGarrett J. King, an associate professor of social studies education at the University of Missouri.