The week was expanded to a month in 1976. Then Congress approved a national holiday for the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1983. Now it seems America focuses on black history for the six-week period between January 15 and the end of February. The media are flooded with tributes to black heroes. There are television programs and movie specials, vignettes on the radio, features in newspapers and magazines.
Advertisers buy additional copy in media targeted to black audiences.
Window displays in bookstores feature black authors and titles about famous figures and historical events. Libraries present black cultural programs. Schools hold assemblies and children do projects. Universities bring in noted black speakers. Art museums exhibit black art.