On the inauguration of Negro History Week (the precursor of Black History Month) in February 1926, Dr. Woodson affirmed that:
“We should emphasize not Negro History, but the Negro in history. What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world, void of national bias, race, hate, and religious prejudice. There should be no indulgence in undue eulogy of the Negro. The case of the Negro is well taken care of when it is shown how he has far influenced the development of civilization.”
African American History covers accounts of the actions of African Americans with investigations of the lives of ordinary men and women in black communities as well as political and religious leaders, entrepreneurs and entertainers. African American History covers art, literature and music including the great migration, black nationalism and the Harlem Renaissance.
Multiculturalism of today had its origins in the struggles of African Americans to have their cultural contributions recognized by American society. African Americans were at the foundation of multiculturalism in America.