Today marks the first day of the 40th year that we highlight the history and countless number of African-American achievements that have helped to make our nation what it is today through the observance of Black History Month.
While the Black community should be proud to celebrate the impact it has made on this country throughout the year, the plight of those who fought to make this month what it is today is well documented and inspiring. As we aim to uplift our historic contributions to all facets of American culture, it is also important to take a moment to reflect and remind people of every race, nationality, religion and culture why this month is not a nod to segregation, but a time of education and celebration born out of necessity.
The makings of Black History Month began in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson deemed the second week in February “Negro History Week.” The initial intent of Negro History Week was to have public schools dedicate that time span to educating students on the history of Black people in America in an effort to not only preserve the history, but also to ensure the survival of the race on a larger scale by making sure the same mistakes of the past were not repeated. Local level Departments of Education and school administrations in five states were initially on board with the concept of Negro History Week: North Carolina, Delaware, West Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Although this may sound discouraging, it was the courageous decision to take a stand for what’s right in these 5 states that paved the way for what eventually became Black History Month. 50 years in the making, the United States Government officially began recognizing Black History Month under the direction of President Gerald Ford in 1976.
Over the years, themes of celebration and recognition have subtly began to overshadow the importance of the education theme from which Black History Month was born, but in the midst of the celebration, it is our responsibility as a country to ensure that we continue to educate people (especially the youth) on the hard work, sacrifice, and achievements of African-Americans that made way for so many of the freedoms all people who come to America to enjoy which many too often take for granted.
As we fight to take a modern day stand against injustice, racism and ignorance that continues to threaten the human rights and civil rights of African-Americans every day, we must remember that our greatest achievements as a people did not occur during times of comfort and high moral support from those around us, but rather in the face of adversity and impossibility. Black history is certainly American history in spite of a history that has been harsh and bitter to such people. Learning the contributions and investments made to America by the Black community is a positive step towards mutual respect and better understanding.
United we stand, divided we fall………and educated we overcome.
Photo Credit: NAACP
