Black excellence: Highlighting Black musicians, scientists, authors, and activists. In 1926 Carter G. Woodson declared that a week of February would be devoted to Black history. Later in 1976 under President Gerald Ford, it was amended to a whole month. “Black History Month is important because throughout the years African-Americans have been neglected with the accomplishments that they’ve made and so it is important to celebrate the accomplishments that they’ve created and their impact on the world,” senior, Emily Arias-Sanchez said.