WASHINGTON — Beginning Feb. 1, schools, museums and communities across the nation will mark the start of Black History Month –- a celebration of Black history, culture and education. The history of the month dates back almost a century, and the way it is celebrated and evolved has created history in itself.

To celebrate Black History Month in Seattle, a variety of local cultural, community and arts organizations are putting on events in the area that offer everything from film screenings to talks and music.

Black History Month started as "Negro History Week" in February 1926 as a way to chronicle the accomplishments of African Americans in the aftermath of slavery.

The Washington Capitals are celebrating Black History Month with a fresh look. On Feb. 5, the team unveiled the design for its Black History Month specialty jerseys during a discussion panel with Howard University.

The Washington Capitals unveiled today a Celebrating Black History Specialty jersey designed by The Museum DC. The jersey debuted during a special Black History Month panel, “Celebrating Black History – Pathways to Hockey”,