Black History Month is a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. What originally started out as “Negro History Week” in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. With the purpose of bringing national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history. He declared this history week to take place on the second week in February. Because it marks the birthdays of two men who had a great influence on African Americans, Frederick Douglass (February 20th) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12th). In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford officially established February as Black History Month. And ever since, each president has carried on the tradition of valuing this crucial month in our nation’s history.
E.E. Ward takes this month very seriously considering the efforts of our founder, John T. Ward, to help slaves escape through the Underground Railroad. As the oldest continuously operating African American-owned company in the nation we find it extremely important to recognize our roots. We are humbled and grateful for everything our company has accomplished, a result of hard work from so many before us. We encourage you to study and learn from some of the important figures in our nation’s past. Let us become more informed and aware of the lasting impact African Americans had on our country. Happy Black History Month!