Black History Month has a history as rich as the programs that celebrate it.

It began as a weeklong event back in the 1920s. Originally initiated by Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History," Negro History Week was first established in 1926. Woodson chose the second week of February because it contained both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass' birthdays.

Woodson chose to highlight the men for their contributions to the abolition of slavery and the institution of rights for African Americans.

"Carter G. Woodson was one of those people who was a visionary," said Michael Hannon, assistant director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center. "He was prophetic in the things that he wrote."

"Woodson was writing things in the 1920s that still apply to people today. His discussion of physical and especially mental slavery is valid even now," Hannon said, referring to the book The Mis-Education of the Negro.

Woodson sent out educational material, including pamphlets and brochures, to elementary and secondary schools, colleges and newspapers suggesting ways that people could celebrate the week.

In 1928, Woodson developed his "Table of 152 Important Events and Dates in Negro History," which he sold to supporters for 50 cents. The table was designed to help them better study their history.

Negro History Week continued to grow and expand as time passed. By the 1940s, the week became packed with events dealing with the history of African Americans.

After Woodson's death in 1950, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History continued to sponsor the event.

Negro History Week continued until 1976 when it was replaced by Black History Month.

Black History Month is a time for all Americans to reflect on the history and teachings of African Americans, Hannon said.

"I think that (Black) History Month can do a lot for underrepresented groups whose contributions to our society are not touched on enough," Hannon said.

This year's theme for Black History Month at Penn State is "African Consciousness Celebration 2001: Restoring the Village by Raising Consciousness." It will feature programs that highlight the contributions that people of African descent have made in America.

"The theme is designed to begin to help people to understand that there is a distinct relationship between African Americans and Africans," Hannon said. "I personally don't distinguish between the two."

In keeping with this idea, the center will house African artwork during Black History Month, some of it portraying ancient African civilizations.

"I hope that this will help to restore our community and to raise our awareness of African history," Hannon said. "I feel that it is vital for people to find out about their African heritage. We want to teach them about that."

Several students agreed.

"I think that it's important that we go back to our African roots and get a perspective of what happened in the past," said Takkeem Leon Morgan (freshman-speech communication), a member of the Black Caucus. "It's been so long since most of us connected with our African culture that a lot of it has gotten watered down. Who I am has gotten watered down in who everybody else is."

University Park has planned a variety of events for this year's Black History Month. Lectures by James Turner, Ramona Afrika and Dr. Debyii Thomas will be given throughout the month. Various movies, plays and poetry readings will complement the program.

"Black History Month is something political," Morgan said. "Sometimes it's not really about the appreciation of the culture, and that's a problem."

Morgan felt Black History Month is a concept that should be celebrated all year long instead of just one month.

Despite the fact that many of the events on campus are designed to teach blacks about their African heritage, Hannon stressed that the events are open to everyone, and that all are encouraged to attend.

"It would be beneficial for people to come out and see where others are coming from," Hannon added.

The first event of Black History Month is the lecture by James Taylor at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow in 113 Carnegie.