Why We Celebrate Black History Month
With the expansion of this celebration into a month, came controversy. Many individuals debate about the usefulness of it. They fear Black History Month only highlights the color lines already dividing American society. Actor Morgan Freeman stated on a 60 Minutes episode, "I don't want a Black History Month. Black history is American history." The only problem with his statement is that African Americans were rarely mentioned in history until the founding of Black History Month.
Traditionally, American history books only mentioned one prominent African-American in their pages - George Washington Carver. The remaining African-Americans were nameless slaves and servants. Carter Woodson wanted to change the way the history books portrayed people like him with the hopes of full integration. Once the integration was complete, Woodson believed the need for Black History Month would go away. So, the question for those in favor of continuing this celebration today is 'have African Americans fully integrated?'
Depending on who you ask, you will get a different answer as to how far African-Americans have permeated mainstream society. What can be seen is a long history of people who have struggled to obtain the same rights and privileges as their Caucasian counter-parts. What can also be seen is the hate that still exists despite so many societal changes. For this reason, Black History Month is vital.
The meaning of Black History Month has far exceeded the hopes of its founder. It not only highlights the impact of African-Americans on society. It also helps people remember the danger of racial and socio-economic oppression which effect more than just Blacks. This month helps everyone see the importance of human rights for all people and is the reason why it should always be celebrated. So the main question U.S. citizens should be asking themselves come February is 'how am I going to celebrate Black History Month.'
What an individual decides to do to celebrate Black History Month is personal. It's just important that everyone finds a way to honor it in a manner that is meaningful to them. For some, it may mean going to a parade or church event. For others, it could be an open discussion with their child about the importance of equality for everyone. It can even be a moment of silence reflecting on the world and how you impact it. Either way, celebrating this month is important to everyone. So, don't forget to celebrate Black History Month.
Black History Trivia
* The United Kingdom celebrates Black History Month in the month of October.
* The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded on February 23, 1868 by W.E.B. DuBois.
* Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first Black U.S. Senator, took his oath of offices on February 3, 1870.
* Malcolm X, a leader who promoted Black Nationalism, was shot to death on February 21, 1965.
* On February 3, 1870, Blacks were given the right to vote through the Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
* On February 1, 1960 in Greensboro NC, college students would do a sit-in at a Woolworth lunch counter that would turn into a civil rights milestone.
Published by Stephanie Modkins
Stephanie M. is a freelance writer who lives in the northwest. Her main goal is to write in a way that entertains, educates or uplifts readers. View profile
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40 Comments
Post a CommentYou need to do your homework Stephanie. Fredrick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr and many other blacks are taught in public schools. Singling out a particular race only serves to alienate and divide us as Americans. I believe we should set aside a month where all races are honored rather than each minority race having their own month. If you were born in America, you are an American! Enough said.
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Black history is extremely important to teach, if done correctly. The struggle of Slavery and Civil Rights is such a small portion of the historical background. Many people are not aware of the African Diaspora, especally in Europe, Asia, as well as in the Western Hemisphere. They "Came Before Columbus". They were in major royal families in Europe.Blacks played a major role in our Bibles and Korans. Yet, predjudice,ignorance, and ingrained stereotypes refuses to allow us to look at history objectively and inclusively, as it shoud be taught. Even anthropologist of the past have tried to cover up or justify their findings. Why? So what if we, all races, are related. Have'nt we all endured the same basic struggles and survival stories over the past 100,000 years?! (or more)
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I think it's very important to celebrate BHM. Take a look at the Chicago Police Blotter and see that 80% of the perps ae Black. What kind of role model is this for our young black children. As long as the violence is abound in our black communities, it's important to bring forth those who have represented something positive. I think that the next revolution of change, needs to continue to come from within the black community.
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